IUCN Species of the Day: Mindoro Bleeding-Heart

 

The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(tm)

Photo credit: Ken Ilio

 

The Mindoro Bleeding-heart, Gallicolumba platenae, is listed as ‘CRITICALLY ENDANGERED’ on the IUCN Red List of Threatened SpeciesTM. It is a shy, ground-dwelling pigeon that feeds on seeds, fallen fruit and worms found on the forest floor, and is native only to the island of Mindoro, in the Philippines.

Lowland forest destruction has eradicated almost all of the Mindoro Bleeding-heart’s habitat. Forests at Siburan and Mount Iglit-Baco National Park are 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 for marble extraction. Because it forages on the forest floor, this species is also highly susceptible to being trapped in snares.

The continuation of studies that assess the Mindoro Bleeding-heart’s requirements for breeding and foraging will help conserve this species and increase its survival rates. Other conservation measures needed include the elimination of illegal logging activities, regulating hunting and forest-product extraction, and support for Mount Iglit-Baco National Park.

 

Geographic Range of the Mindoro Bleeding Heart

Credit: IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™

 

To learn more about the Mindoro Bleeding Heart, click here.  Or visit the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species by clicking their logo below.

 

 

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To learn more about the Bush Warriors “Species of the Day” feature, please click here and read up on our initiative to raise awareness about the loss of earth’s biodiversity.

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