Data Zone
Justification of Red List category
This species has not been recorded since the type specimen was collected in 1953, despite a number of recent protracted surveys. However, it may remain extant, given that there was an unconfirmed report in 2002, and given the shyness of fruit-doves. Further surveys are required on Panay where it may conceivably occur. Any remaining population is likely to be tiny and the species is consequently listed as Critically Endangered.
Population justification
The population is assumed to be tiny (fewer than 50 mature individuals) based on a lack of records since the only specimen was collected in 1953 (Dickinson et al. 1991, Collar and Lambert 2013, Allen 2020). Applying the methodologies of Keith et al. (2017) and Thompson et al. (2017), Butchart et al. (2018) determined that the probability of the species being extinct was 0.14 (0.00-0.27) based on records and surveys, and 0.04 (0.01-0.1) based on threats. Accordingly it is classified as Critically Endangered, rather than Extinct (see Akçakaya et al. 2017), in large part because there has not been substantial survey effort on Panay, where the species could conceivably occur on biogeographic grounds.
Trend justification
Unknown in the absence of certainty that a population persists.
Ptilinopus arcanus is endemic to the Philippines, where it is known only by a single female specimen (one of a pair) collected on Mt Canlaon on the island of Negros in 1953 (Dickinson et al. 1991, Collar et al. 1999). Its population is unknown and, given the failure of any fieldworker to encounter it since its discovery, it must be extremely rare. However, the discovery on Panay of threatened species which, until 1990, were known only from Negros, and sometimes formerly Guimaras (e.g. Negros Bleeding-heart Gallicolumba keayi and White-throated Jungle-flycatcher Vauriella albigularis), suggests that it is not impossible that this enigmatic bird may be extant. Three birds that fit the species' description were reportedly shot by hunters in 1985 and 2008 in Mantiquil and near Mt Canlaon respectively (Collar and Lambert 2013). Fruit-doves in the Philippines are extremely shy, thus it is quite possible that even on Negros this species might be overlooked, and the extensive forests of Panay which have yet to be extensively surveyed by experienced field-workers might harbour the species (R. Hutchinson in litt. 2013).
The type specimen was shot in a tall fruiting tree in primary forest at c. 1,100 m. It is possible that it is a lowland specialist discovered at its upper altitudinal limit (as forest at this site had been cleared up to 1,000 m).
A combination of hunting, which affects all pigeons and fruit-doves on Negros, and habitat destruction are presumably the major threats if the species persists.
Conservation Actions Underway
The only record derives from Mt Canlaon Natural Park, which supports 115 km2 of mainly montane forest. Surveys in 1991, 1994 and 2010 failed to find the species (Collar and Lambert 2013). However the 2010 survey found that suitable forest patches remain in the area and larger pigeon species can still be found despite heavy hunting pressure. This area has been repeatedly visited by ornithologists since these surveys with no sighting (eBird 2022). In December 2021, a "Search for Lost Birds" initiative was launched by BirdLife International, Re:wild and the American Bird Conservancy, with this species selected as one of the initial ten to be searched for. No other conservation measures are known to have been taken other than its depiction in the mid-1990s on a bilingual environmental education poster in the "Only in the Philippines" series.
Conservation Actions Proposed
Comprehensive and targeted surveys are required, using sound recording equipment (D. Allen in litt. 2012), within all suitable lowland to mid-montane habitat on Negros and Panay, to determine if this species is still extant. Carry out, if possible, biochemical analyses on the type-specimen to confirm its taxonomic validity. Monitor habitat trends on Negros and Panay through remote sensing. Increase the area of suitable habitat on Negros and Panay that receives formal protection.
16.5 cm. Known only by a single female specimen. Very small, vivid dark green fruit-dove. Sole specimen characterised by extensive, broad, yellow eye-ring, ashy-grey forehead and greyish-white throat, conspicuous yellow fringes to tertials and greater coverts forming rather narrow bar on folded wing, and yellow vent and undertail-coverts. Similar spp. Black-chinned Fruit-dove P. leclancheri is substantially larger, has rusty undertail-coverts, and no wing-bar and eye-ring. Voice Unknown.
Text account compilers
Berryman, A., Martin, R.
Contributors
Allen, D., Bucol, A. & Hutchinson, R.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Negros Fruit-dove Ptilinopus arcanus. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/negros-fruit-dove-ptilinopus-arcanus on 18/12/2024.
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 18/12/2024.