Raphus is a genus of flightless birds, commonly known as the dodo, which became extinct in the late 17th century. The word "raphus" refers specifically to this genus of birds. They were native to the island of Mauritius, located in the Indian Ocean, and were part of the pigeon and dove family.
The dodo was a large bird, roughly one meter in height, with a heavy body and small wings that rendered it flightless. Its plumage was predominantly grey and fluffy, with distinct features like a large hooked beak, short legs, and a long tail. The dodo's wings were reduced to a series of small, ineffective stumps due to their inability to fly, as the absence of natural predators in their native environment rendered the need for flight unnecessary.
Raphus, as a genus, is renowned for its unfortunate demise, as it became extinct less than a century after its first recorded encounter with European sailors in the late 16th century. The main cause of its extinction was the rapid human colonization and exploitation of Mauritius, which led to the destruction of its natural habitat and the introduction of non-native species that preyed upon the dodo's eggs and competed for resources.
Today, the raphus is a symbol of extinction and ecological vulnerability, and its name is frequently used to exemplify the perils faced by many species due to human activities.
