- Hunting: Dodos were relatively easy prey for humans and other animals, as they were flightless and had no natural predators. Sailors and colonists often hunted them for food and sport, leading to a decline in their population.
- Habitat destruction: The arrival of humans on Mauritius also resulted in the destruction of the dodo's natural habitats, such as forests and wetlands. This loss of habitat further contributed to their population decline.
- Introduced species: The introduction of predators such as cats, dogs, and pigs by European settlers further exacerbated the dodo's vulnerability. These animals preyed upon dodo eggs and young, contributing to their rapid population decline.
- Climate change: Some evidence suggests that climate change may also have played a role in the extinction of the dodo. Changing sea levels and a decrease in the island's rainfall may have impacted their food sources and further reduced their chances of survival.