Data Zone
Justification of Red List category
Forest clearance within this species' range has led to a rapid reduction of its small, fragmented population; a trend which is set to continue. For these reasons it is classified as Vulnerable.
Population justification
The population size of this species has not previously been estimated but is likely to be relatively small and declining. On Bohol, assuming relatively high detectability of eBird (2022) data, the population is highly unlikely to number more than 100-200 mature individuals. However, across Mindanao and Samar/Leyte, c.8,000 km2 of primary forest remains (per Global Forest Watch 2022), such that even if the species occurs at a low density, it is likely to exceed 10,000 mature individuals.
Trend justification
This species is thought to be especially impacted by habitat loss and fragmentation given its reliance on primary forest. On Bohol, habitat loss has been almost total, although the remaining population (thought to be only a small percentage of the global) is well protected (UNEP-WCMC and IUCN 2022) and is likely to be stable. On Samar and Leyte, there are recent records from only Samar Island Natural Park which does not appear to be well protected, with recent observations of selective logging (see Hutchinson 2021) on a scale likely to impact this species beyond the rate of total forest loss (which on these islands has been 15-20% over the past three generations [per Global Forest Watch 2022], depending on the assumptions used). The species' stronghold is now almost certainly Mindanao, where lowland forest continues to be exploited and converted into plantations that do not support this understorey-dwelling species (Allen 2020, eBird 2022). On Mindanao, habitat for this species over the past three generations (16.6 years; Bird et al. 2020) is thought to have reduced by more than 30% on the basis that the 24-26% reduction of forest cover (per Global Forest Watch 2022) is the absolute minimum rate of reduction, and selective logging/habitat degradation has likely caused additive declines. Moreover, hunting is an unquantified threat but may be increasingly prevalent given the perimeter:area ratio of habitat is increasing as forest patches become divided and fragmented. With so much uncertainty, determining the global rate of reduction for this species is difficult, but over the past three generations is suspected to be 25-40%, with a best estimate of 30-40%.
Gallicolumba crinigera is endemic to the Philippines, where it is known from Samar, Leyte, Bohol, Dinagat, Mindanao and Basilan (Collar et al. 1999).
It inhabits primary and secondary lowland and transitional dipterocarp forest below 600 m (although reported to 750 m) (Allen 2020). It is highly terrestrial, favouring flat areas with only sparse undergrowth, particularly in dry, coastal areas.
This species is known to be impacted by habitat loss through much of its range. In the three generations (16.6 years; Bird et al. 2020) to 2022, forest cover was reduced by 25% (Global Forest Watch 2022, based on data from Hansen et al. [2013] and methods disclosed therein). Additionally, selective logging and illegal extraction of timber is known to be widespread in the Philippines, including in protected areas (see, e.g., photographs in Hutchinson [2021]). Nonetheless, protected areas in the Philippines are generally effective at reducing forest, although this effectiveness is idiosyncratic (see Apan et al. 2017). Trapping for food is a problem for many terrestrial species in the Philippines and is likely to be impacting this species also.
Conservation Actions Underway
It has been recorded recently in a number of protected areas, including: Bohol Rajah Sikatuna National Park, Samar/Leyte Samar Island Natural Park, Mindanao Mt Hamiguitan Wildlife Sanctuary, Pangasananan and Allah Valley Watershed Forest Reserve. In many instances, protections afforded to Philippine Eagle Pithecophaga jefferyi have conferred benefit to the present (and other lowland) species.
Conservation Actions Proposed
Conduct further surveys in remaining tracts of suitable habitat and areas with historical records, particularly on Samar and Leyte. Use these data to determine an accurate population size. Continue to monitor habitat trends using remote sensing data. Continue to advocate the effective protection of (possible) key sites. Propose remaining forests found to support the species for establishment as protected areas. Promote more effective enforcement of laws relating to hunting and trapping.
30 cm. Medium-sized, short-tailed, ground-dwelling pigeon. Large blood-red central patch to otherwise white throat and breast. Iridescent bronzy-green crown, nape, upper mantle and breast-sides (forming an incomplete breast-band). Dark chestnut rest of upperparts with broad greyish bands across wing-coverts. Deep buff belly becoming creamy-white on vent. Subspecies show slight variation in breast pattern. Voice Thought to be a repeated, cooing woo-oo. Hints Feeds on forest floor. Shy, tends to run from danger, typically only flying short distances when flushed.
Text account compilers
Berryman, A.
Contributors
Allen, D., Benstead, P., Bird, J., Butchart, S., Ibanez, J., Lowen, J., Symes, A. & Taylor, J.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Mindanao Bleeding-heart Gallicolumba crinigera. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/mindanao-bleeding-heart-gallicolumba-crinigera on 22/11/2024.
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 22/11/2024.