In the annals of biological history, there is perhaps no creature as well known and yet so little understood as the dodo, a bird often portrayed as the epitome of extinction itself.

The dodo is considered by many to be a prime example of extinction, mistakenly viewed as a slow, unintelligent creature destined for a grim fate. Misunderstandings and myths have long surrounded it.

However, new research aims to challenge these long-held beliefs and dispel the myth surrounding the dodo and its closest relative, the Rodriguez Island solitaire, offering a new perspective on their true nature and place in history.

Dodo’s true origins

The aim of the newly published study, which is the result of a collaboration between the University of Southampton, the Natural History Museum (NHM) and the Oxford University Museum of Natural History, is to correct the taxonomy of these long-extinct birds.

To ensure that the Dodo and the Solitaire are correctly classified, a comprehensive review of over 400 years of scientific literature and British collections was carried out.

According to Dr. Neil Gostling, one of the lead authors of the study, the dodo was the first living creature to be recorded as existing and then disappear.

This key event demonstrated that humanity has the potential to influence nature in unprecedented ways and marked the beginning of a profound understanding of the impact of humans on biodiversity.

Search for the truth

Historical depictions of the dodo and the solitaire have been largely shaped by sailors’ reports, artists’ depictions, and incomplete remains, contributing to a fragmentary and often inaccurate picture of these birds.

The lack of a definitive reference point led to misidentifications over the centuries and the creation of nonexistent species such as the Nazarene Dodo, the White Dodo and the White Solitaire, all of which led to misunderstandings and made these already enigmatic creatures even more mysterious.

Over time, these mythological creatures lost their mythical status and were rightly classified as giant pigeons – thanks to the tireless efforts of scientists in the Victorian era who tried to bring clarity to the confusion.

Despite these advances, the exact counting of species in this group remained controversial and was the subject of debate and disagreement for years.

To solve this complex puzzle, researchers embarked on a meticulous journey, carefully combing through hundreds of dated reports and specimens in collections across Britain, attempting to piece together the true story of these iconic extinct birds.

Setting things right

“More has been written about the dodo than any other bird, yet virtually nothing is known about its true self,” said Dr. Julian Hume, one of the study’s co-authors.

The dodo and the solitaire are still the subject of heated debate 400 years after their extinction. Through persistent work, scientists have been able to confirm that these birds belonged to the carrion bird family.

Dr. Gostling stressed that their loss would mean the extinction of a unique branch of the pigeon family tree.

Breaking the Dodo stereotypes

The widely accepted idea that the dodo was a fat, sluggish creature doomed to extinction is wrong, according to researchers.

“Was the dodo really the stupid, slow animal we were taught to believe it to be?” asked Dr. Young.

Contrary to popular belief, according to eyewitness accounts, the dodo was an agile creature that preferred the forest ecosystem.

Dr. Gostling further supports this assumption by pointing out physical similarities between dodos and today’s running and climbing birds and suggests that the dodo was probably an active animal that was well adapted to the forest environment.

Significance for today’s nature conservation

“Understanding these phenomena can contribute to the recovery of Mauritius’ ecosystem and perhaps help reverse the damage that began with the arrival of humans almost half a millennium ago,” said Dr Gostling.

The research forms the basis of a broader project to decipher the biology of these iconic birds.

“By understanding how birds evolved in the past, we gain valuable insights that could help protect today’s bird species,” noted study co-author Dr. Markus Heller.

Scientists’ efforts to unravel the mystery of the dodo are supported artistically by paleoartist Karen Fawcett, who brings this extinct creature to life in beautiful ways using her detailed models.

With the support of the Institute for Life Sciences at the University of Southampton, this interdisciplinary research promises to rewrite the history of these iconic birds.

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