The recent United Nations environment report, which warns us that over one million plant and animal species are threatened with extinction due to the actions of humans, should make us all sit up and think about the cause of biodiversity loss and what we can do about it.
Over hundreds of millions of years, most species that have evolved have gone extinct as extinction is nature’s way of getting rid of plants and animals who are no longer well adapted to their environments. It is as natural a phenomenon as speciation, the formation of new species. The problem is that humans have accelerated the extinction rate way above the norm, some say as much as 10,000 times higher than it should be.
One of the most famous extinct animals is the dodo, Raphus cucullatus. As he was one of the first large animals to go extinct at the hands of humans, perhaps there are some lessons that we can learn from his demise? The bony remains of dodos, too recent to be fossils, are known from only one location – Mauritius in the Western Indian Ocean. Our knowledge of his natural history, behaviour and appearance comes mainly from the diaries of sailors and early settlers in Mauritius as well as from dodo remains that have been found in swamps and caves.
The first record, a brief mention by Dutch sailors, was in 1598. In 1601 Commander Harmenszoon recorded in his ship’s log: these birds can be caught on the Island of Mauritius in vast quantities, for they are unable to fly, and provide good sustenance and refreshment. Within three years of their discovery they had become a standard food source for mariners.
This story is from the November 2019 edition of Animaltalk Magazine.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the November 2019 edition of Animaltalk Magazine.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Battle Of The Bell
Is the bell on your cat’s collar a good idea, or not?
Kriya Gangiah To The Rescue
How Louis got saved from the shelter
17 Tips For A Healthy Fish Tank
When it comes to a fish tank, it is important to understand that you are creating a little aquatic ecosystem and, in this system, every living organism must live in harmony. The experts have a saying: “better preparation for better results” – so always do your research about your type of fish and the type of tank they need.
Fear Not, Little One
24 tips to prepare your dog to handle loud noises
Lessons From The Dodo
Human influence can accelerate natural phenomena in harmful ways
Emigration 101
What you need to know before you leave
Love Me More
7 things your dog wants you to know
Burmese Cats
A strong, healthy breed according to the facts and research
So Cool At School
Wendy, the Belgian Shepherd (Malinois), is the first resident narcotics detection dog to be introduced at a South African high school
A Hard Lesson To Learn
DJ Jazzy D tells us about his five English Bulldogs and what he’s learnt