The only remaining evidence of its existence, apart from the paintings, is an entry in Forster's notes: "...behind these fields we came into a forest [where] a dove of a new [kind] was shot." Likewise, it is not known why this species became extinct, but introduced rats are a prime suspect.
The sole remaining proof of its presence, aside from the artworks, is an entry in Forster's notes: "...behind these fields we entered a forest [where] a dove of a novel type was shot." Similarly, it remains unclear why this species went extinct, but introduced rodents are considered a likely culprit.