Introduced species, such as pigs and goats, competed with the dodo for food and habitat. Pigs ate the dodo's food sources, such as fruits and seeds, while goats destroyed their nesting sites.
Predation by introduced species
Rats, cats, and dogs were introduced to Mauritius by humans. These predators preyed on the dodo's eggs and chicks, further reducing their population.
Hunting by humans
The dodo was also hunted by humans for food and sport. Sailors and explorers who visited Mauritius often hunted the dodo for its meat and feathers.
Habitat destruction
The introduction of new species, such as rabbits, also led to the destruction of the dodo's habitat. Rabbits ate the vegetation that the dodo relied on for food and shelter, further reducing their chances of survival.
Combined, these factors led to the rapid decline and eventual extinction of the dodo.