Mauritius Shelduck (Alopochen mauritiana)

Year Last Seen:

1698

Comments:

This species was endemic to Mauritius, but is now Extinct. It was last recorded in 1693, when it was said to be rare, and could not be found in 1698. Hunting is thought to have caused its extinction.

Habitat:

In 1681, it was noted to be plentiful "in the woods or dry ponds" (Cheke 1987).

Causes:

It was presumably heavily hunted because it was described as "not large, but fat and good".

Distribution:

Alopochen mauritianus was endemic to Mauritius (Cheke 1987). Although the only specimens of the species are two carpometacarpii (Cowles 1987), it is known from numerous travellers' reports. By 1693, the species was rare and, by 1698, it was extinct (Cheke 1987).

References:

IUCN Redbook Data