Data Zone
Justification of Red List category
This species has a small range within which it is considered to be quite scarce and is suspected of declining because of habitat degradation and—to an unknown extent—hunting. However, it is tolerant of some degradation, and habitat loss in more montane areas (where it appears to ably persist) is almost non-existent, suggesting it is not at immediate risk, although this should continue to be monitored. Accordingly, it is listed as Near Threatened.
Population justification
No published population estimates are known, however the species is overall considered rare (Allen 2020). On Negros, it has previously been suggested that fewer than 250 individuals (and fewer mature individuals) persist. Citizen science data (eBird 2023) support the assertion that it is genuinely very scarce and three main subpopulations on the island are rather unlikely to support more than 100 mature individuals each. On Panay, forest cover is considerably more extensive and the Central Panay Mountains almost certainly hosts the largest subpopulation. The population size has not been estimated, but if densities are similar to those precautionarily assumed for Negros, the population size likely lies somewhere between 5,000 and 10,000 mature individuals. Clearly, however, there is a real need to populate these estimates more robustly using species- and site- specific data.
Trend justification
The principal threats to this species are deforestations and hunting. According to remote sensing data (Global Forest Watch 2023, based on data from Hansen et al. [2013] and methods disclosed therein), rates of forest cover loss in this species' range have been minimal, equivalent to c.1-1.5% in the three generations (12 years; Bird et al. 2020) to 2022. However, there is additional habitat loss in the Western Visayan bioregion comprising selective logging and the removal of below-canopy vegetation, which may impact this species. Moreover, hunting, especially where local villages abut forest, provides a compounding threat. Overall, the species is suspected to be declining at an ongoing rate of 1-9% over three generations.
It is endemic to the Western Visayas, in the Philippines. On Negros it appears to be rather rare, with recent records from only North Negros Natural Park (e.g. Pedregosa-Hospodarsky 2009, eBird 2023), Twink Lakes, Lake Balinsayao and Caso Roro (eBird 2023). On Panay, it is reportedly commoner (R. Hutchinson in litt. 2014, Allen 2020), although it has a low detection rate on (the admittedly few) eBird checklists (eBird 2023). Nonetheless, given extensive forest through the poorly explored Central Panay Mountains, Panay is likely to be the species' stronghold.
It inhabits the interior of humid forest (and occasionally dense second growth) in the foothills and mountains, up to at least c.2,000 m, and occasionally below 500 m.
Negros and Panay are among the two most decimated islands in the Philippines in terms of forest cover loss, although most of this has been historical (see Collar et al. 1999). Almost all lowland forest cover has now been lost from both islands, leaving species such as P. maculipectus confined to lowland remnants and (the more extensive) montane forests. Current rates of forest cover loss, however, are relatively low, with remote sensing data (Global Forest Watch 2022, based on data from Hansen et al. [2013] and methods disclosed therein) suggesting forest cover loss in this species' range has been equivalent to <2% over the last 12 years (three generations; Bird et al. 2020). Consequently, this is thought to be causing only slow declines in the population of this forest-dependent species. The issue of hunting as a threat has not been adequately documented in this species, but is assumed to be occurring given other large-bodied species are routinely hunted in the Philippines (Collar et al. 1999).
Conservation and research actions underway
No targeted actions are known. Occurs in numerous protected areas, although the extent to which these protections are effective is unknown.
Conservation and research actions proposed
Clarify the distribution and abundance of this species through the Central Panay Mountains. Refine the available population size estimate. Continue community awareness programmes to reduce hunting and illegal logging on both Panay and Negros. Ensure an adequate percentage of suitable habitat is protected both legislatively and effectively (see Mallari et al. 2016).
Text account compilers
Berryman, A.
Contributors
Butchart, S., Ekstrom, J., Hutchinson, R., Jakosalem, G., Symes, A., Taylor, J. & Westrip, J.R.S.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Grey-breasted Brown-dove Phapitreron maculipectus. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/grey-breasted-brown-dove-phapitreron-maculipectus on 27/12/2024.
Recommended citation for factsheets for more than one species: BirdLife International (2024) IUCN Red List for birds. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/search on 27/12/2024.