The dodo (Raphus cucullatus) was a large flightless bird native to Mauritius, an island in the Indian Ocean. Known for its stout build, it could grow up to 1 meter in height and weigh between 10 to 17 kilograms. The dodo thrived in the island’s forested habitats, feeding primarily on fruits, seeds, and vegetation. Due to human activity and introduced species, it became extinct by the late 1600s. Today, the dodo serves as a symbol of conservation and the study of extinct species.