Dodo birds were hunted for their meat and feathers. Humans began to settle on Mauritius around the 1500s, bringing invasive species such as rats, pigs, and monkeys. These animals destroyed dodo nests and eggs.
Habitat destruction:
The forests where dodo birds lived were cleared for agriculture, timber, and other development. This reduced their habitat and made it harder for them to find food and shelter.
Competition with other species:
Invasive predators such as rats, cats, and dogs preyed upon the dodo and its eggs. These animals were not native to Mauritius and did not have natural predators, so their populations grew unchecked.