Rodrigues Solitaire
Rodrigues solitaire ( Pezophaps solitaria )
The Rodrigues Solitaire ( Pezophaps solitaria ) is an extinct species of birds pigeons ( Columbiformes ). The approximately 90 cm tall bird was a bottom dweller and only spread on the island of Rodrigues. As part of the settlement of the island of solitaire died out in the mid-18th century, because the entrained pigs and cats as well as the hunting by humans decimated the stocks of the flightless bird getting stronger.
The Rodrigues Solitaire was probably close to the extinct Dodo also ( Raphus cucullatus ) used by Mauritius, with whom he is placed in the subfamily Raphinae.
Features
François Leguat who lived on Rodrigues 1691-1693, described the solitary than about 90 cm and weighing 20 kg, turkey -like bird with short wings. Males were larger than females after Leguat and had a brownish plumage.
Nutrition
The discovery of stomach stones in solitary skeletons is seen by some scientists as an indication that the solitaire fed on large, hard seed plants, whose massive shell he destroyed with the help of the stones in his stomach. Thus, the solitaire would be approached a key role in spreading the Sapotengewächses Sideroxylon galeatum. This species is endemic to Rodrigues is now rare, but in former times was probably a dominant plant on the island.
Brood
Rodrigues solitaires were reports earlier naturalists, according to which no colony breeders. They limited their territory against conspecifics from strictly and defended it as a couple. Built on the bottom of the nest consisted of stacked palm leaves. In the nest, the female laid a white egg, which was slightly larger than a goose egg.
Systematics and history of research
The existence of Rodrigues solitaires was doubted long. In 1789, however, they found bones in a cave, which were confirmed by further excavations in 1867. The solitaire is considered the closest relative of the dodo ( Raphus cucullatus ). His physique is nevertheless very different from that of the dodo, so that both species in different genera, some even in separate families - were asked - Pezophapidae and Raphidae.
Extinction
The birds were easily captured due to their inability to fly. François Leguat and his men especially appreciated the tender meat of young birds. Due to the strong hunting by humans and by introduced cats, rats and pigs stocks were quickly decimated. Already in 1755 gave the governor-general of the Mascarene Islands, David Charpentier de Cossigny, for the record, that after a solitary he had let search 18 months in vain. Probably died of bird at the latest around 1760 from, be found in later records not even vague references to the existence of the bird.