The Last Great Auk: A Glimpse into Extinction
Deep within the secure vaults of the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences in Brussels, the taxidermied remains of the last known male Great Auk are kept under strict security. Genetic research has confirmed that this is indeed the last male of the species. “The bird was registered in the museum on September 8, 1846,” states Olivier Pauwels, head of the museum’s department, who recently provided RÚV correspondent Árni Snævarr and a United Nations employee access to view the bird. “While it might have arrived in Belgium earlier, it was officially recorded in the museum on this date.”
A Historical Artifact
The Great Auk is one of the oldest exhibits at the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences, which was founded the same year, 1846, a little over a decade after Belgium gained independence. The bird was featured in a program on Rás 1 recently, where Gísli Pálsson, a former anthropology professor, discussed its history. His book, The Last of its Kind, explores the narrative of the Great Auk.
The Journey of the Brussels Auk
The Brussels Auk was likely killed on June 2, 1844, and exchanged hands through seven different transactions before ending up at the museum. The label tied to its foot confirms the purchase by an individual named Franck on September 8, 1846. Though the sale price is unknown, Gísli speculates it could equate to several hundred thousand Icelandic krónur today.
Scientific Investigation and Confirmation
The bird underwent extensive scientific scrutiny to verify its identity as the last Great Auk. In 2017, a research team led by geneticist Jessica Thomas obtained genetic samples from the last known Great Auks from Eldey, preserved at the Natural History Museum in Copenhagen. Comparing these with specimens worldwide, including those in Brussels, Bremen, and Los Angeles, provided evidence that the Brussels bird was indeed the last male Great Auk. The female’s genetic profile remains inconclusive.
A Symbol of Human-Induced Extinction
Standing beside the last Great Auk invokes a profound reflection on human impact, as the species was driven to extinction by overhunting. In 1844, three Icelanders killed the last pair on Eldey, but the population had been in decline due to mass hunting in Newfoundland. The Brussels bird traded hands multiple times before settling in the museum, highlighting a paradox of conservation: valuable specimens were initially collected to attract museum visitors but are now too precious to display.
The Role of Museums in Conservation Awareness
Olivier Pauwels explains that museums sought rare species to enhance public interest and educate on biodiversity loss. The Great Auk, once a common sight in the North Atlantic, became emblematic of human-induced extinction. Its presence in museums serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of ecosystems and the urgent need to preserve biodiversity.
The Global Biodiversity Crisis
Today, more than a quarter of all recorded animal and plant species face extinction, according to the IUCN Red List. Olivier emphasizes the importance of preserving biodiversity, which is crucial for maintaining ecological balance. The Great Auk’s story exemplifies the consequences of neglect and the necessity for political will to protect natural habitats.
Iceland’s Connection to the Great Auk
Icelanders have a unique relationship with the Great Auk, despite its broader North Atlantic distribution. In 1971, Iceland acquired its own specimen when a Danish family’s bird was auctioned at Sotheby’s in London. Icelandic journalist Valdimar Jóhannesson and ornithologist Finnur Guðmundsson raised two million krónur to purchase it, symbolizing a national effort to reclaim part of their natural heritage.
The Future of Iceland’s Auk Exhibit
Due to space constraints, Iceland’s Great Auk has been stored but was last displayed in 2015. Plans are underway for its prominent placement at the new Natural History House in Seltjarnarnes, set to open soon. This exhibit will serve as a powerful educational tool, showcasing the importance of conservation and the lessons learned from past extinctions.