Réunion Gallinule (Porphyrio caerulescens)
Posted on 31 December, 1730 in Extinct
Year Last Seen:
1730
Comments:
This species was endemic to the island of Réunion, but has been Extinct since around 1730. Hunting by settlers was the cause of its decline.
Habitat:
It was reported to inhabit montane forest.
Causes:
It was probably not flightless, but was nevertheless easily hunted, presumably leading to its extinction (Cheke 1987).
Distribution:
Porphyrio caerulescens was endemic to Réunion (to France) from where it was described as oiseau bleu by six early travellers. It is thought to have become extinct by around 1730 (Cheke 1987).