Dodo Debunked: New Research Reveals Flightless Bird Was Speedy and Powerful

The dodo, a bird tragically driven to extinction by humans in the 17th century, has long been portrayed as a slow, clumsy creature in popular culture. However, a new study, published in the *Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society*, challenges this common misconception, revealing that the dodo was actually a powerful and fast-moving bird.

Researchers delved into historical records and descriptions of the dodo and its close relative, the solitaire, to shed light on these iconic extinct species. "Was the Dodo really the dumb, slow animal we've been brought up to believe it was? The few written accounts of live Dodos say it was a fast-moving animal that loved the forest," said Professor Mark Young, a researcher at the University of Southampton, in a statement.

The dodo (*Raphus cucullatus*) was the first recorded extinction directly caused by humans and witnessed in real-time. When Dutch sailors arrived on Mauritius in 1598, the island was teeming with these flightless birds, which could reach a height of around 1 metre and weigh up to 20 kilograms. The Dutch colonisation, however, introduced invasive species, destroyed their forest habitat, and mercilessly hunted the dodos. Within 70 years, the species was wiped out, with the last confirmed sighting in 1662.

For centuries, the dodo's image has been associated with clumsiness and naivety. It was believed that the lack of predators on Mauritius led to the dodo's large size and loss of flight. However, a lack of clarity regarding the exact dodo species, coupled with inconsistent and unreliable historical accounts, has hampered a comprehensive understanding of the bird.

The study authors tackled these challenges by meticulously sorting through historical specimens, eyewitness accounts, and early taxonomic descriptions. They identified a key "type specimen" - the single preserved dodo specimen that serves as a reference point for the species. Through their analysis, they confirmed the existence of the solitaire (*Pezophaps solitaria*), a species closely related to the dodo, which was previously thought to be a myth. Furthermore, they established both the dodo and solitaire as members of the Columbidae family, which includes pigeons and doves.

Examining the type specimen, the researchers uncovered intriguing details about the dodo's physical capabilities. "Evidence from bone specimens suggests that the Dodo's tendon which closed its toes was exceptionally powerful, analogous to [those of] climbing and running birds alive today," explained Dr Neil Gostling, an evolutionary biologist at the University of Southampton. "These creatures were perfectly adapted to their environment."

This new insight into the dodo's physical characteristics and behaviour sheds light on its role within its ecosystem and could provide valuable lessons for protecting existing endangered bird species.

While the dodo remains extinct, its resurrection is a possibility. Colossal Biosciences, a company known for its ambitious de-extinction efforts, is currently working to bring back the iconic bird. Their goal is to reintroduce the dodo to Mauritius, hoping to restore the ecological balance of the island. The same company is also attempting to revive the woolly mammoth.

The dodo's story serves as a powerful reminder of the impact of human activity on the natural world. This new study reveals a more dynamic and resilient creature than previously understood, highlighting the importance of careful research and the need to protect biodiversity for future generations.