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Critically Endangered Pigeon Photographed After 2 Decades
5 Sep
Summary
- A rare Mindoro bleeding-heart pigeon was photographed in August.
- This is the first confirmed photo of the species in twenty years.
- The sighting confirms the critically endangered bird still survives.
A camera trap in the Puerto Galera rainforest on the Philippine island of Mindoro captured a photograph of the critically endangered Mindoro bleeding-heart pigeon in August. This sighting marks the first confirmed image of the species, Gallicolumba platenae, in two decades, according to the Centre for Conservation Innovation Ph Inc. (CCIPH). The photograph, resulting from an Indigenous-led initiative, provides crucial evidence that the rare bird persists in the wild.
Ornithologists emphasize the importance of Puerto Galera as a biosphere reserve and sanctuary for this endangered species. The Mindoro bleeding-heart is identifiable by its distinctive orange-red chest spot and iridescent plumage. Historically found in lowland forests, the pigeon's survival has been precarious, with confirmed encounters becoming exceedingly rare in the late 20th century.
The species was listed as "lost" by the Search for Birds program and is critically endangered on the IUCN Red List. The recent high-elevation sighting, above 900 meters, suggests potential habitat loss in lower areas due to increasing tourism and degradation. Conservationists are calling for urgent measures to protect its habitat and assess its population.
Priorities include safeguarding suitable forest areas and establishing a legislated protected zone covering the Mount Halcon-Mount Malasimbo Range. Calls also focus on halting illegal logging and poaching, enhancing conservation education, and implementing safer trap designs to prevent bycatch. The future of the Mindoro bleeding-heart pigeon hinges on immediate conservation actions inspired by this vital photograph.
