Dodo's closest relative is spotted in remote rainforest

A manumea, the closest living relative of the extinct dodo bird, has been sighted for the first time since 2013, raising hope that the critically endangered species can be saved from extinction.

- VISHWAM SANKARAN

The Samoa Conservation Society's latest field survey, conducted from 17 October to 13 November, recorded at least five sightings of Didunculus strigirostris in the South Pacific nation's rainforest.

“It remains unclear whether these sightings involve the same individual or different birds. All individuals observed appeared to be adults, so we cannot confirm whether the species is nesting in the area or simply foraging,” Moeumu Uili, project coordinator at the Samoa Conservation Society, told local media.