Researchers are embarking on a mission to correct common misconceptions about the Dodo, a bird that is famous yet remains shrouded in mystery. They have conducted a detailed and thorough analysis of the classification of the Dodo along with its closest relative, the Rodriguez Island Solitaire.
Researchers are embarking on a mission to correct common misconceptions about the Dodo, a bird that is famous yet remains shrouded in mystery.
In a study published today [16 August 2024] in the Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, a team from the University of Southampton, the Natural History Museum (NHM), and the Oxford University Museum of Natural History has carried out the most thorough examination of the Dodo’s classification and that of its nearest relative, the Rodriguez Island Solitaire.
They meticulously reviewed 400 years of scientific writings and visited collections across the UK to ensure that this iconic species, which symbolizes humanity’s capacity for destruction, is accurately classified.
“The Dodo was the first known species that was recognized, then subsequently vanished,” explains Dr. Neil Gostling from the University of Southampton, the lead author of the paper. “Prior to this, it was hard to believe that humans could have such a significant impact on God’s creation.”
“At that time, we lacked the scientific frameworks and systems we currently use to identify and classify species. The Dodo and the Solitaire became extinct before we could truly grasp what they were.”
Correcting the historical record
Much of the information about the Dodo and the Solitaire originated from writings by Dutch sailors, artistic interpretations, and fragmented remains.
The absence of a definitive specimen (type specimen) and a proper system for naming species led to many misidentifications in the years following their extinction. New species were incorrectly named, including the Nazarene Dodo, the White Dodo, and the White Solitaire, but this research confirms that none of these ever actually existed. Nonetheless, these inaccuracies persisted and influenced zoological literature significantly.
“By the 18th and early 19th centuries, the Dodo and the Solitaire were mistaken for mythological creatures,” Dr. Mark Young, the lead author from the University of Southampton, states. “It took the dedicated efforts of Victorian scientists to establish that both the Dodo and the Solitaire were indeed real entities, specifically giant ground doves.”
“Sadly, there was no consensus on how many species existed,” Dr. Young continues. “For most of the 19th and 20th centuries, researchers believed there were three distinct species, although some suggested there could have been four or five.”
To clarify this confusion, researchers reviewed all available literature on the Dodo and Rodriguez Solitaire, examining hundreds of records dating back to 1598, and studied specimens throughout the UK, including the only known surviving soft tissue from a Dodo, housed at the Oxford Museum.
“The Dodo has been the subject of more writings than any other bird, yet we know so little about its life,” notes Dr. Julian Hume, avian paleontologist at the Natural History Museum and coauthor of the paper.
“Centuries of naming confusion have persisted, and even 400 years after its extinction, the Dodo and Solitaire still stir intense debate. We’ve traced the history of our understanding and worked to correct the narrative as thoroughly as possible.”
Through their research, scientists confirmed that both birds belong to the columbid family, which includes pigeons and doves.
“Understanding their broader relationships with other pigeon species is crucial for taxonomy, but from a conservation viewpoint, the extinction of the Dodo and the Solitaire means a unique branch of the pigeon family lineage has been lost,” Dr. Gostling explains. “There are no existing birds today that resemble these two species of giant ground doves.”
Challenging existing beliefs
The researchers argue that the common perception of the Dodo as a clumsy, slow animal destined for extinction is mistaken.
“Even after four centuries, there is still much to learn about these extraordinary birds,” Dr. Young comments. “Was the Dodo really the foolish, sluggish creature we’ve been led to believe? The few existing descriptions of live Dodos portray them as quick and spirited animals that thrived in forests.”
Dr. Gostling adds: “Analysis of bone samples indicates that the Dodo possessed particularly strong tendons that flexed its toes, akin to modern climbing and running birds. It is highly likely that the Dodo was an active and swift creature.
“These birds were exceptionally suited to their environment, but the islands they inhabited lacked mammal predators. Consequently, when humans arrived with rats, cats, and pigs, the Dodo and the Solitaire were unable to withstand the onslaught.
“Dodos played a vital role in their ecosystems. Understanding them could help with ecosystem recovery efforts in Mauritius, potentially starting to right the wrongs that began with human arrival nearly 500 years ago.”
Gaining ‘valuable insights’
This study marks the initiation of a broader endeavor to understand the biology of these iconic birds.
“The mystery surrounding the Dodo bird is on the verge of being unraveled,” says Dr. Markus Heller, Professor of Biomechanics at the University of Southampton and coauthor of the paper.
“We have gathered a remarkable team of scientists to explore the true nature of this famous extinct bird. However, our exploration is not limited to the past; our findings could also aid in saving today’s endangered bird species.”
Dr. Heller explains: “Through innovative computer technology, we are reconstructing how the Dodo lived and moved. This endeavor goes beyond mere curiosity; by understanding avian evolution, we can derive critical lessons that may safeguard bird species today.”
“It’s like solving a 300-year-old riddle, and the answer may help us prevent more birds from meeting the same fate as the Dodo.”
The project will also feature collaboration with palaeoartist Karen Fawcett, who is creating a detailed, life-size model of the Dodo to bring the descriptions in academic texts to life. She states: “This project beautifully merges science and art, ensuring that these creatures can be experienced in a real, tangible way by people.”
The initiative is backed by the University of Southampton’s Institute for Life Sciences. The Institute’s Director, Professor Max Crispin, expresses enthusiasm for the project: “The Institute is thrilled to support this groundbreaking research, highlighting Southampton’s prowess in interdisciplinary study and advanced scholarship.”
