Justification

This species has a small and severely fragmented range and population, both of which are suffering from rapid rates of deforestation. It therefore qualifies as Vulnerable.

Threats

Below 900 m, the rate of deforestation in west Ecuador , in 1958-1988, was 57% per decade, although in higher parts of the species's range, with a steeper terrain and harsher climate, the process has been slower and a greater proportion of forest is extant². Habitat loss is continuing, and will soon remove almost all remaining forest². All pigeon species are hunted, but L. ochraceiventris is not specifically targeted⁴.

Conservation

It occurs in several protected areas, including Tumbes Reserved Zone, which protects a large area and range of forest-types and presumably supports a viable population², Machalilla National Park (Guayas/ManabManglares-Churute Ecological Reserve and Cerro Blanco Protection Forest (Guayas)^5,7. The 776 km² partially forested ChongProtection Forest is the nucleus of a reforestation project³ and may support the species.

Targets

*Assess seasonal reliance on particular forest-types. *Control threats to habitat within protected areas. *Expand protected areas to include adjacent forest remnants and connect such fragments. *Map forest in the Cordillera Chongto identify sites for protection³.