Justification

This pigeon qualifies as Vulnerable owing to its small, declining population, a result of widespread destruction of its forest habitat.

Threats

Historically, it was hunted for food and sport, which probably contributed to its decline. Currently, the loss, degradation and increasing fragmentation of forest are a greater concern. In Maharashtra, forest cover is declining because of shifting cultivation and collection of timber for fuel and building. A massive 47% of evergreen/semi-evergreen forest was lost in the Kerala portion of the Western Ghats between 1961-1988, principally as a result of conversion to plantations, cash-crops, and clearance for human settlements and development projects. In certain portions of its range (e.g. Goa) hunting is considered a threat.

Conservation

It is legally protected in India and occurs in at least 16 protected areas, most in Kerala, including three national parks, 10 wildlife sanctuaries, one tiger reserve and two reserve forests.

Targets

*Conduct research into seasonal movements and identify key sites. *Establish protected areas where necessary, ensure these sites are effectively safeguarded, and promote sustainable exploitation of forests throughout the Western Ghats. *Campaign for significant reductions in the conversion of natural forest to plantation. *Promote community-based conservation initiatives focusing on alternatives to deforestation and restoration of disturbed natural habitats within its range.