description Mare aux Songes Overview
Mare aux Songes is a fossil-rich marsh located in southeastern Mauritius that serves as the primary site for subfossil remains of the extinct dodo. In 1865, schoolteacher George Clark unearthed abundant dodo bones here, providing the first substantial skeletal material to science. Later excavations in the 21st century revealed a massive bone bed, preserving remains of various extinct endemic species. The site continues to be a crucial location for studying the island's pre-human ecology and the events leading up to the dodo's extinction.
help Mare aux Songes FAQ
What important historical discovery was made at the Mare aux Songes?
In 1865, schoolteacher George Clark discovered abundant subfossil bones of the extinct dodo bird at this marsh in southeastern Mauritius. This was the first time a significant quantity of actual dodo remains was scientifically documented.
Why did so many dodo bones end up in the Mare aux Songes?
The marsh served as a natural trap where flightless dodos and other animals became stuck in the mud over thousands of years. When the animals died, the waterlogged, anaerobic conditions of the peat helped to preserve their bones exceptionally well.
Are there still dodo bones being found at the Mare aux Songes today?
Yes, modern paleontological excavations at the site have uncovered thousands more bones, leading to a massive collaborative research project in the mid-2000s. These finds have greatly expanded our scientific understanding of the dodo's anatomy.
Can tourists visit the Mare aux Songes to see the dodo excavations?
The Mare aux Songes is primarily a protected scientific excavation site and a natural reserve, rather than a typical tourist attraction. Visitors usually learn about the site's history and see the discovered artifacts at the Natural History Museum in Port Louis.
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