Justification

This pigeon has been upgraded to Endangered because it is inferred to have a very small population that is undergoing a continuing rapid decline owing to widespread destruction of its lowland forest habitat.

Threats

The near-total loss of lowland forest throughout its range has caused its decline. In the late 1980s forest cover was estimated at just 29% on Mindanao, and as little as 433 km² of old-growth dipterocarp remained on Samar and Leyte, with most lowland forest leased to logging concessions, and mining applications. Dinagat has lost practically all lowland forest as a result of illegal logging and, particularly, chromite surface-mining. Bohol is thought to retain only 4% forest cover, with tree-cutting, agricultural expansion and soil erosion all acting as threats to Rajah Sikatuna National Park . Forest at Bislig on Mindanao is being cleared under concession and re-planted with exotic trees for paper production. Trapping for food and trade is a problem for all terrestrial birds in the Philippines .

Conservation

It has been recorded recently in just one protected area, Rajah Sikatuna National Park . Other areas, now afforded protection, where it formerly occurred (and may still occur) include Mt Malindang National Park, Mt Hilong-hilong (which includes a watershed reserve) and Mt Matutum Forest Reserve (a proposed national park).

Targets

*Conduct further surveys in remaining tracts of suitable habitat and areas with historical records, particularly on Samar and Leyte . *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.