dodo bird found alive 2018

Daniel Parker

2 min read

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25-02-2025

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Dodo Bird Found Alive in 2018? Separating Fact from Fiction

The idea of a dodo bird being found alive in 2018, or any year after 1681 (the year the last confirmed dodo died), is, unfortunately, completely false. There have been no credible reports of a dodo bird being found alive in modern times. The dodo bird is definitively extinct.

While the internet is rife with sensationalist headlines and fabricated stories, the reality is far less exciting. The extinction of the dodo is a well-documented and tragic event, primarily due to human activity. The introduction of invasive species, hunting, and habitat destruction on the island of Mauritius drove the flightless bird to extinction.

Why the persistent myths?

The enduring myth of a living dodo likely stems from several factors:

• Wishful Thinking: The dodo's endearing image and its symbolic status as a victim of human-caused extinction fuels a desire to believe it might still exist.
• Misinformation: Fake news and sensationalist articles spread online often lack proper verification and contribute to the perpetuation of the myth.
• Cryptid Culture: The dodo sometimes gets lumped in with other "cryptids"—creatures whose existence is debated or unproven—like Bigfoot or the Loch Ness Monster. This association lends credibility to unfounded claims in the minds of some.
• Lack of Scientific Literacy: A lack of understanding of the scientific process and the rigorous evidence needed to prove the existence of a species can lead people to accept unsubstantiated claims.

What is true about Dodo research?

While we can't bring the dodo back to life in 2018, or ever (though de-extinction research is ongoing!), scientific research continues. Scientists are working on:

• Understanding Dodo Extinction: Ongoing research clarifies the exact causes of the dodo's extinction and the broader impacts of human activity on island ecosystems.
• DNA Analysis: Scientists analyze dodo DNA extracted from museum specimens to learn more about its genetics, evolution, and relationship to other birds.
• De-extinction Efforts: Although still in its early stages, there is active research exploring the possibility of "de-extinction" bringing back extinct species through genetic engineering. The dodo is sometimes mentioned in this context, but it’s a long and complex process with no guarantees of success.

In Conclusion:

The claim that a dodo bird was found alive in 2018 is untrue. The dodo is extinct, and any reports to the contrary are unfounded. While the dream of seeing a living dodo persists, focusing on conservation efforts to prevent future extinctions is a more realistic and impactful goal. Instead of chasing down misleading articles, let's channel our fascination with the dodo into protecting endangered species today.