Where was the Dodo Bird Native to?
The dodo bird, a large, flightless bird native to the island of Mauritius in the Indian Ocean, is an extinct species that has become a symbol of human-caused extinction. The dodo bird was first discovered by Portuguese sailors in 1598 and became extinct by 1681 due to hunting and habitat destruction.
Habitat of the Dodo Bird
The dodo bird was native to the island of Mauritius, which is located in the Indian Ocean about 800 miles east of Madagascar. It lived in dense forests and fed on fruits, nuts, and roots. It had no natural predators on the island, so it had no fear of humans or other animals.
Extinction of the Dodo Bird
The dodo bird became extinct due to a combination of factors. Hunting by humans for food and sport was one factor; another was the introduction of non-native animals such as pigs, cats, and rats that competed with the dodos for food and destroyed their nests. Additionally, deforestation caused by human activity reduced the amount of suitable habitat available for the birds.