history of our planet is replete with cases where some species disappearing, and not being understood.And the dodo bird - a great example of this.Outset that this kind in the world did not exist!Dodo - a fairy-tale character, which appeared in the book "Alice in Wonderland."
It became known extinct endemic to the island of Mauritius - Mauritius dodo (Raphus cucullatus).About him today and talk to the convenience of using his "nickname".
So, what kind of bird, and why its name many people associate with the Red Book and the word "extermination"?
Not too long ago, even by historical standards, lived on the island of Mauritius bird family Drontovye.People here were not, as the predators were absent as a class, and therefore the dodo bird was extremely stupid and clumsy.
ability to smartly hide from danger or somehow forage they did not have, because there was plenty of food.
not surprising that soon they squandered the last ability to fly, their growth began to reach a meter at the shoulder, and the weight was not less than 20-25 kg.Imagine the largest and goose fat, increased twice.Dodo bird had such massive and severe stomach that most of the time he just dragged her along the ground.
these birds lived in seclusion, paired only during the mating season.Females lay only one egg, but because of him tenderly looked after by both parents, away from all the dangers (of which there were few).
dodo bird inhabits not only above the island, but also in Rodrigues: both places are Mascarene archipelago located in the Indian Ocean.And in Rodrigues dodo lived hermit relates entirely to a different species.
Mauritius these unique birds lived until 1681, whereas the "Cabin Fever" was lucky to survive until the early 19th century.
As it happened, it was over immediately after the appearance of the Europeans in the archipelago.At first the Portuguese, the Dutch and then decided that there is no light ship supplies better than the dodo.
They did not have to hunt: Come closer, knock a huge turkey with a stick on the head - that's ready supply of meat.Birds do not run away, because their weight and credulity are not allowed to do that.
However, even people who were not able to destroy as the dodo, devoured as those they brought with them dogs, cats, rats and pigs staged a real feast, eating thousands of chicks and eggs.Dodo bird, photo that does not exist (only figures), very quickly proved to be almost completely destroyed.
Unfortunately, around the world there is not even a complete skeleton of at least one of the destroyed species.The only complete set of the Mauritius dodo was kept in the Museum of London, but burned in a terrible fire in 1755.
be fair to say that these birds is still trying to help.It was completely banned hunting and surviving animals were kept in cages.However, in captivity extinct dodo bird did not breed, and the rats and cats doomed to death those few dodo, who have been hiding in the dense forests.
This story reminds once again of the fragility of natural habitats and human greed, which is too late for second thoughts.
