Tanna ground dove

Tanna Ground Dove (Alopecoenas ferrugineus), also known as the Forster's Dove of Tanna, is an extinct species of bird that was endemic to the island of Tanna in Vanuatu. It is known from subfossil remains and early European accounts. The Tanna Ground Dove is a notable example of the impact of human activity on island ecosystems and species extinction.

Description

The Tanna Ground Dove was a small dove, with a length estimated at 20 cm. It had a robust body, short wings, and a relatively long tail, suggesting it was primarily a ground-dwelling bird. The plumage was described as predominantly rusty-brown, which is the basis for its scientific name ferrugineus, meaning "rusty" in Latin. Little else is known about its appearance due to the lack of complete specimens.

Habitat and Ecology

This species was endemic to Tanna, one of the southernmost islands of Vanuatu. The Tanna Ground Dove inhabited the island's forested areas, likely preferring dense undergrowth which provided cover and foraging opportunities. Its diet is presumed to have consisted of seeds, fruits, and possibly small invertebrates, typical of ground-dwelling doves.

Extinction

The Tanna Ground Dove is believed to have become extinct in the late 18th or early 19th century. The causes of extinction are not entirely clear, but it is likely that a combination of habitat destruction, introduced predators (such as cats and rats), and hunting by humans played significant roles. The arrival of Europeans and the subsequent changes to the island's ecosystem would have put additional pressures on the species. The last unconfirmed sightings were reported in the early 1800s.

Scientific Discovery and Classification

The species was first described by Johann Reinhold Forster in 1844, based on accounts and possibly specimens collected during Captain James Cook's second voyage to the Pacific. It is classified in the genus Alopecoenas, which includes several other ground-dwelling doves in the Pacific region. The classification of Pacific doves is complex and subject to ongoing research and debate.

Conservation and Legacy

The extinction of the Tanna Ground Dove highlights the vulnerability of island species to human impacts. It serves as a reminder of the importance of conservation efforts to protect remaining species and ecosystems, particularly on islands where species are often highly endemic and susceptible to introduced threats. The story of the Tanna Ground Dove contributes to our understanding of biodiversity loss and the need for sustainable management of natural resources.

See Also

• Extinct birds of the Pacific
• Fauna of Vanuatu
• Conservation biology
• Island ecology

References

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