The Mindoro Bleeding-heart Gallicolumba platenae, is listed as ‘Critically Endangered’ in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Speciesä. The Mindoro Bleeding-heart is a shy, ground dwelling pigeon that feeds on seeds, fallen fruit and worms found on the forest floor. It is native only to the island of Mindoro, in the Philippines. The Mindoro Bleeding-heart has an extremely small, severely fragmented population that is undergoing a continuing population decline owing to lowland forest destruction, hunting and capture for pet-trade.
Lowland forest destruction has eradicated almost all Mindoro Bleeding-heart habitats. More of this bird’s habitat, in the forests at Siburan and Mount Iglit-Baco National Park, is being threatened by encroaching shifting cultivation, slash-and-burn agriculture and occasional selective logging; whilst the collection of Rattan climbing palms disturbs the forest undergrowth. In forests at Puerto Galera, the Mindoro Bleeding-heart faces destruction from dynamite blasting which goes on for marble extraction. This beautiful pigeon also faces the threat of being hunted for food and pet trade.
Continuing studies that assess the Mindoro Bleeding-heart’s requirements for breeding and foraging will help conserve and increase its survival rates. Other conservation activities include: the elimination of logging activities, regulating hunting and forest-product extraction, and continuing support for Mt Iglit-Baco National Park.
No comments:
Post a Comment