The Cool National Animal of Mauritius and More Island Symbols
Out of all the national birds and animals I’ve discovered throughout Africa, Mauritius’ is the only one that surprised me!
Want to see Mauritius for yourself? Here’s 5 days in heaven! Catamarans, snorkelling, markets – it’s island life!
The island is known for its tropical landscapes and exotic flora and fauna, but it also holds a special place in the archives of natural history. And that’s because of its national animal/bird- the dodo. It’s actually as intriguing as the island itself.
Now extinct, the flightless bird stood a meter tall and tipped the scales at an impressive 10.5 to 18kg.
They had no natural predators on the island to worry about. And because they had developed with no people around, they had no fear of them.
That was to their detriment. The last sighting of a dodo was reported to be in 1662, just 64 years after their discovery. But the bird is still an important symbol of national pride for Mauritians.
Prepare for a fascinating deep dive into the world of the dodo, Mauritius’s national animal. We’re also going to explore some of the other important symbols of the island – did you know they have a national drink?
Facts About the Dodo:
When it comes to the dodo’s appearance we have only 17th century descriptions and drawings to go by. From these, we can gather that they had a body that was stout and round, covered in greyish feathers.
Its distinguishing feature was its beak—a long, hooked bill that was pale yellow at the base and greenish-black at the end. The end of the lower portion was decorated with a red and a blue spot.
Its eyes were small and yellow, and it had short legs that ended in sharp claws. The wings of the dodo were small, a characteristic that rendered it flightless. And until humans came to Mauritius, it really had no reason to fly.
It seems that the ground-dweller foraged for fruits, nuts, and roots.
The bird’s behaviour was defined by its relative fearlessness of humans and lack of natural predators. It’s thought that the dodos’ reputation of being a bit lacking in intelligence came from this lack of fear.
But in fact, because of the estimated size of its brain, scientists to believe that the dodo had a similar intelligence level to pigeons. Pigeons are thought to be quite intelligent birds.
This may be a common genetic trait, as dodos and pigeons are part of the same family.
It seems that the bird’s name may have been an onomatopoeia. The sound it made was apparently a hoarse, 2-note sound, “doo-doo”. Chances are good that they were named for this call.
The DoDos’ Extinction
The dodo’s population began its decline, not surprisingly, with the arrival of humans to the island of Mauritius. A combination of things led to the birds’ extinction.
Firstly, the dodos had led a peaceful life, with no natural predators at all. As mentioned, this made them unafraid of humans.
Their clumsiness, inability to fly, and their trusting nature made them easy targets for hunting.
Their substantial size made them a good food source for sailors and settlers, although they were originally called walgvogel. This is the Dutch word for ‘disgusting bird’ – apparently they weren’t very tasty.
Dutch settlers also began to develop the land, causing deforestation which began to destroy the birds’ habitat. In addition, invasive species introduced by the Dutch turned out to be disastrous for the dodos.
These new inhabitants, such as pigs and rats, competed with the dodos for the limited food resources on the island and also preyed upon their eggs. They also indiscriminately destroyed the dodos’ nests.
Having no defences against these invasive species or human hunters, their population began to decline rapidly. The last reported sighting of a Mauritius’ national animal occurred in 1662, less than a century after their discovery.
Despite the dodo’s extinction several centuries ago, its cultural significance continues in Mauritius. The bird is everywhere, from the national coat of arms to the currency. It’s a proud symbol of the island’s unique natural history.
And more than just a symbol, the dodo also represents the spirit of welcome and humility shown by Mauritians. It’s seen as a part of their identity and a link to their past.
The dodo’s cultural significance in Mauritius today extends beyond its physical depiction on the nation’s emblems and currency. The memory of this extinct bird is carried in the hearts of the island and its people.
It’s a symbol of the unique biodiversity that once flourished uninhibited on the island. The islanders’ connection to this extinct bird goes beyond simple nostalgia.
🦤 The dodos didn’t survive, but humans in Mauritius have the highest life expectancy in the world.
It’s a form of national identity that intertwines with their history, their sense of place, and the very land they inhabit. The dodo’s story is also a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the consequences of uninhibited exploitation of nature.
This narrative plays a significant role in shaping the island’s environmental consciousness. It inspires efforts to conserve and protect Mauritius’ remaining endemic species and habitats.
In this sense, the dodo’s legacy influences Mauritius’ environmental policies and sparks discussions on sustainability, conservation, and the human impact on the natural world.
👨👩👧👦 The 2023 population of this island nation is 1,300,557 people.
The dodo has been absent from the world for over three centuries now. But it continues to inspire and influence the cultural, educational, and environmental landscape of Mauritius.
From children’s stories to scholarly articles, from conservation efforts to tourism campaigns, the dodo lives on.
It reminds us all of the island’s unique heritage. And of our collective responsibility to protect the world’s biodiversity for future generations.
The Dodo in Art and Literature
The dodo bird, despite its extinction, has managed to find a place not only in Mauritius’ rich history but also in international literature.
The bird has been immortalized in many stories and literary works.
The most famous of these might be the reference in Lewis Carroll’s ‘Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland’.
In this classic, the dodo, symbolizing the author himself, presents a vivid image of the quirky yet unforgettable bird. Its presence in such a beloved work has lent the dodo an almost mythical status.
Several other works, like ‘Dodo: A Brief History’ by Errol Fuller, delve into the historical and scientific aspects of this creature. We’re given a glimpse into its life and its destruction.
And in countless children’s books, the dodo often serves as a cautionary tale of extinction. It teaches young minds about the importance of biodiversity and conservation.
The world’s continued fascination with the dodo stems from its unique story. The tale of an animal that once thrived fearlessly on a remote island, only to quickly succumb to human-induced threats.
It serves as a stark reminder of the power we wield over nature and our responsibility to protect it. And so the dodo’s tale continues to resonate.
It reminds us of the importance of environmental stewardship, long after the last dodo took its final steps on the island of Mauritius.
Why Visit Mauritius Today?
You may not be able to see the famous dodo bird if you visit the island these days. But it’s still an amazing destination to add to your bucket list.
Currently considered the safest country in Africa, Mauritius is blessed with a unique blend of cultures. There’s also a variety of wildlife that’s found nowhere else in the world.
The stunning island nation in the Indian Ocean is also a tropical paradise, with white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, and lush greenery.
If you love to explore, the island’s extensive forests and its coral reefs offer great opportunities for hiking, snorkelling, and diving.
The island’s unique melding of cultures is another enticing aspect. Mauritius is a melting pot of Indian, African (known as Mauritian Creoles), Chinese, and European influences. Each contributes to the island’s heritage and its delectable cuisine.
💰 Mauritius is the wealthiest country in Africa, but it’s an affordable travel destination.
Plus, the island is home to friendly and welcoming locals, who take pride in their island’s beauty and cultural heritage. Their deep-rooted connection to the extinct dodo adds a touch of mystery to the Mauritian experience.
One activity that you should definitely try to catch is the winter horse racing at the Champ de Mars Racecourse. These events are well-loved on the island, and since the early 19th century they’ve attracted thousands of spectators.
If you’ll be on the island anytime between March and early December, try to reserve a weekend for the races. The Mauritius National Botanical Garden is also home to a fantastic variety of tropical plants.
Many of these are endemic to the island.
I’d also recommend taking in a festival or two. The Festival Reggae Donn SA and the Beach Humour Festival are a ton of fun, and both take place in November.
Explore Mauritius for yourself! 5 days of markets, catamarans, snorkelling – it’s sublime…
Other National Symbols of Mauritius
National Plant & Flower:
Ruizia boutoniana, known as the boucle d’oreille in Mauritius’ Creole.
In English, the Earring Tree. Found only on the peninsula Le Morne Brabant in Mauritius.
National Coat of Arms:
The Mauritius coat of arms is made up of a shield divided into four parts.
These are: 3 palm trees representing the vegetation and its 3 territories and a ship (lymphad) symbolizing the early settlers.
There’s also a key that denotes Mauritius as a trade gateway, and a star depicting the island as a star in the Indian Ocean.
The dodo and sambar deer represent the island’s extinct and current wildlife. They support stalks of sugar cane, an important element in the island’s economy.
The words Star and Key of the Indian Ocean in Latin on the bottom ribbon is the country’s motto, and highlights Mauritius’s strategic location. I think this is one of Africa’s most interesting coats of arms!
The National Flag:
Known as ‘Four Bands’, it was adopted in 1968.
- red stands for the people’s struggle for independence from the British
- Blue represents the surrounding Indian Ocean
- Yellow is the light of the country’s freedom
- Green stands for the island’s agriculture and its natural wealth
Mauritius’ National Sport:
Football (“soccer” in some countries)! The national team is the Club M.
The National Dish of Mauritius:
Dholl puri, a savoury dish similar to pancakes, is made from ground yellow split peas mixed with turmeric and cumin. May be stuffed with a bean curry and served with mango chutney.
Its National Drink:
The Alouda is made with milk and agar-agar jelly mixed with vanilla syrup and basil seeds, and served chilled. The “Mauritian Milkshake”.
Summing It Up: The National Animal of Mauritius
The dodo, Mauritius’ national animal, continues to fascinate and inspire the protection of its biodiversity. Mauritius also offers stunning landscapes, a rich history, and an interesting mosaic of cultures.
A visit here is an opportunity to explore the unique landscape and experience the island’s remarkable tropical lifestyle.
Immerse yourself in the sun-baked charm of Mauritius This is where the past lives on, the present is celebrated, and the dreams of the future are bigger than life-size.
Happy travels!
Read More About Africa:
➵ Fun Facts About Namibia’s National Bird
➵ The National Animal of Botswana: What It Is and Why It Was Chosen
➵ What in the World is the National Bird of South Africa?
➵ 13 Reasons to Visit Madagascar in 2023: From Lemurs to Vineyards
