Images Dated 2nd September 1999

Dodo

Dodo. Computer illustration of a dodo (Raphus culcullatus). Roughly the size of a swan, this extinct bird was heavily-built, clumsy and flightless. It lived on the island of Mauritius and became extinct around 1681. The number of dodos quickly dwindled following the arrival of humans to its island. All but defenceless, these birds were ill-equipped to cope with the new hunters, loss of habitat and the competition from introduced animal species such as pigs and rats

© VICTOR HABBICK VISIONS/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY