Data Zone
Justification of Red List category
This Extinct species has been newly-described from subfossil remains. It is little-known but probably became extinct during the 18th century as a result of overhunting and predation by rats.
Population justification
No extant population remains.
Trend justification
This species is considered extinct. It is known from only subfossil remains and two contemporary accounts, it may have become extinct between 1726 and 1761 as a result of predation by rats (Hume 2017).
Nesoenas rodericanus is known from subfossil remains found in caves on Rodrigues (Mauritius; Hume 2017).
The only detailed description of the species was made by Leguat (1708), who provided some observations on the general ecology of the species. Specifically, it was said that they perch and build their nests in trees, and would feed on melon seeds thrown to them by the visitors. Additionally, they reportedly built their nests on the surrounding islets as opposed to the island itself, which was hypothesised to avoid the predation of eggs by rats.
The species was described as being tame and easily hunted by Leguat (1708), but the presence of rats was likely the main driver of extinction (Hume 2017). Specifically, Leguat (1708) stated that rats were vast in number on the island, and postulated that the species would nest on surrounding islets to avoid predation.
Text account compilers
Richardson, L., Taylor, J., Symes, A.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Rodrigues Turtle-dove Nesoenas rodericanus. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/rodrigues-turtle-dove-nesoenas-rodericanus on 18/12/2024.
Recommended citation for factsheets for more than one species: BirdLife International (2024) IUCN Red List for birds. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/search on 18/12/2024.