Mindoro bleeding-heart pigeon spotted after 20 years

For the first time in 20 years, a critically endangered Mindoro bleeding-heart pigeon has been photographed in the forests of Puerto Galera in Oriental Mindoro. A stealth camera recorded the ground-dwelling bird in August, providing evidence that the species still survives in Mindoro’s jungles.

The Center for Conservation Innovation Philippines released the photographs with help from Iraya Mangyan communities and their local government partners. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources said the image confirmed the bird’s continued existence.

The DENR has been taking part in biodiversity assessments and discussions on ecological recovery through its community environment and natural resources office in Socorro. It also supports the training and deputation of forest guards from the conservation group. A proposed memorandum of agreement would formalize information-sharing, field cooperation and joint conservation work.

The small, secretive pigeon is named for the distinct red patch on its chest. It was once described as common in Mindoro’s forest interiors, but became localized as lowland forest habitat was lost, fragmented or altered. Before the new documentation, its last confirmed record dated to 2005.

DENR-Mimaropa said it would join studies to validate the record and update knowledge of the bird’s range and habitat. It also plans to coordinate with local governments, indigenous communities, national agencies and other stakeholders on establishing a critical habitat or another appropriate conservation area. For the agency, the photograph provides a basis for coordinated action to protect the forest landscape on which the species depends.