Extinct Species

Lophopsittacus mauritianus

Extinct by 1670's An early drawing from life in the journal of Wolphart Harmanszoon records this exceptionally large, ground-based parrot. His early account, written between 1601 and 1602 also illustrates the Dodo, the Red Rail and the Mauritius Blue Pigeon. Bones found later in the Mare aux Songes confirm the accuracy of the journals. It is assumed from the lack of references in subsequent accounts of Mauritius that this parrot was vulnerable to newly introduced species. The last individuals perished in the 17th Century, perhaps one of the first casualties of human colonisation of the Mascarene islands. It is possible that it had the power of flight but we would assume it to have been a very poor flier; large weight, small wings and a reduced sternum all point to a largely ground-dwelling bird. Its early extinction would tend to bear this assumption out.