Pigeon's Future Grim: Climate Change Shrinks Habitat

The habitat of the Nilgiri Wood Pigeon, an endemic species of the Western Ghats, is projected to become extremely limited by the end of the century due to climate change. A recent study utilizing machine learning predicts sharp declines in high-suitability areas and significant range contractions for the species.

The pigeon's specialized dependence on high-elevation wet evergreen and moist deciduous forests makes it particularly vulnerable. While moderate warming might temporarily expand its niche upward, continued warming is expected to lead to a net contraction of available habitat. This underscores the need for proactive conservation planning.

Researchers emphasize that current conservation status, listed as 'Least Concern,' may not fully reflect emerging risks from projected habitat compression. Further field-based ecological studies and systematic population surveys are essential for accurate assessment and effective long-term viability strategies.