The Real Passenger Pigeon: A Lesson in Conservation from Extinction

As I delved into the world of taxidermy for my book on the representation of animals in novels and other forms during the late 19th century, I was struck by a photograph of a real passenger pigeon. The preserved bird, posed in a lifelike stance, seemed to stare back at me with an air of sadness and loss. This got me thinking about the plight of another species that is on the brink of extinction - the turtle dove.

The decline of the turtle dove is eerily similar to that of the passenger pigeon, which once numbered in the hundreds of millions but was driven to extinction just a few decades later due to overhunting and deforestation. According to conservationists, the turtle dove's numbers have declined by 95% since the 1970s, with only 5% of its original population remaining.

It is too late for the passenger pigeon, but there is still hope for the turtle dove. Conservation efforts are underway to prevent the extinction of this and other species. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) has warned that other species, such as the turtle dove, face a similar fate in the UK if we do not act quickly.

Mark Avery, conservationist and former director at the RSPB, has written a book on the extinction of the passenger pigeon, highlighting the urgent need for conservation action. Ken Norris, director of science at ZSL, echoed this sentiment, stating that the anniversary of Martha's death is an opportunity to draw attention to the plight of countless other species who continue to face extinction due to human actions.

As we reflect on the tragic loss of the passenger pigeon, let us also consider the lessons it can teach us about conservation. The rapid decline and eventual extinction of this species serves as a stark reminder that no species is safe unless we take action to protect them. It is up to us to learn from the past and prevent similar extinctions in the future.

By working together to conserve and protect our planet's biodiversity, we can ensure that future generations do not have to mourn the loss of another iconic species like the real passenger pigeon.

Real passenger pigeon