Pink-bellied Imperial-pigeon (Ducula poliocephala) | Text

Pink-bellied Imperial-pigeon Ducula poliocephala

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Justification

Justification of Red List category
Although it occurs quite widely within the Philippines, this species is scarce and probably has a moderately small population, which is suspected to be in moderately rapid decline owing to hunting and the removal of its favoured lowland forest habitat. It is therefore classified as Near Threatened.

Population justification
The global population size has not been quantified, but the species is described as generally uncommon, although frequent on Negros island and extinct on Cebu (Gibbs et al. 2001).

Trend justification
There are no data on population trends, but the species is suspected to be declining at a moderately rapid rate, owing to hunting and habitat loss.

Distribution and population

Ducula poliocephala is endemic to the Philippines where it occurs on at least 16 islands (Basilan, Biliran, Bohol [P. Benstead pers. obs. 2001], Catanduanes, Cebu [probably extinct], Dinagat, Leyte, Luzon, Masbate, Mindanao, Mindoro, Negros, Panay, Samar, Sibuyan and Tawitawi) but is uncommon, local, and perhaps semi-nomadic (Collar et al. 1999).

Ecology

It inhabits lowland forest, although not exclusively, as the species ranges up to 1,500 m. It is found most often in primary forest and old secondary growth.

Threats

It is certainly in decline owing to the combination of heavy hunting pressure and the extensive clearance of its preferred habitat.

Conservation actions

Conservation Actions Underway
None is known.

Conservation Actions Proposed
Survey to assess population size. Regularly monitor at certain sites throughout its range to determine population trends. Where possible, control hunting, perhaps using awareness campaigns. Protect significant areas of lowland primary forest across its range.

Acknowledgements

Text account compilers
Benstead, P., Mahood, S., Taylor, J.

Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Pink-bellied Imperial-pigeon Ducula poliocephala. Downloaded from https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/pink-bellied-imperial-pigeon-ducula-poliocephala on 22/12/2024.
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 22/12/2024.