Hunting: The dodo bird was slow-moving and easy prey for humans. As sailors and explorers began to arrive on the island of Mauritius, they quickly began hunting the bird for food. The dodo was also killed for its feathers, which were used to make quills and other decorative items.
Habitat destruction: The forests of Mauritius were cleared for agriculture and other development, which further reduced the dodo bird's habitat and made it more vulnerable to hunting.
Introduced species: Humans also brought other animals to Mauritius, such as pigs, cats, and rats. These animals competed with the dodo bird for food and resources, and they also preyed on its eggs and young.
The combination of these factors led to the dodo bird's extinction in the 17th century. The last known dodo bird was killed in 1662.
The extinction of the dodo bird is a reminder of the importance of protecting endangered species and their habitats. By taking action to protect our planet's wildlife, we can help to prevent future extinctions.