kalao

Kalao is a genus of extinct flightless birds that were endemic to the island of Réunion in the Indian Ocean. These birds are known only from historical accounts and fragmented fossil evidence. They were described as large, ground-dwelling birds, likely related to pigeons and doves, belonging to the family Columbidae. Historical descriptions suggest they were several feet tall and had a plump build, lacking the ability to fly.

The name "kalao" is derived from a Malagasy word, though its exact meaning in the context of the bird is not definitively known. The birds were encountered by early European explorers and settlers to Réunion, who noted their presence and likely hunted them for food. The species is believed to have gone extinct in the late 17th or early 18th century.

The primary reasons for their extinction are attributed to human activities. Overhunting by settlers and sailors, coupled with the introduction of invasive species such as rats and pigs that preyed on the birds' eggs and young, severely impacted their population. Habitat destruction may also have played a role. The kalao represents one of the many unique island species lost due to human colonization and the subsequent ecological changes. No live specimens were ever collected, and detailed scientific study of the bird in its natural habitat was not possible before its disappearance.