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Description

The Mauritius Turtle Dove, scientifically known as Nesoenas cicur, was distinct from the introduced Madagascar species N. picturatus due to its more robust legs and smaller wings, indicating a predominantly terrestrial lifestyle. This species was known to occur in large flocks, and its tame nature made it an easy target for early settlers, who would often knock them out of the sky with sticks or catch them with their bare hands for leisure.

Unfortunately, the Mauritius Turtle Dove disappeared from the island around 1730. This extinction was primarily due to overhunting, predation from introduced mammals, and severe deforestation. The high demand for the birds, combined with their tame behavior, made them easy targets for settlers, leading to a rapid decline in their population.

The disappearance of the Mauritius Pigeon around 1730 can be attributed to a combination of factors. Over-hunting by humans for food and trade, predation from introduced mammals such as rats and cats, and severe deforestation are believed to have played a significant role in the extinction of this bird species.