Palau Ground Dove
Gallicolumba canifrons

Range and population

Gallicolumba canifrons is endemic to Palau where it is found in dense forest on all the major islands from Babeldaob (very rare) to Angaur, and on many of the small limestone islands (where it is more common)1. It is difficult to locate because of its secretive habits, sparse vocalisations3 and inaccessible habitat and, during a survey in 1991, too few were counted to record a meaningful population estimate2. However, although it is rare, numbers are probably stable and its rock island habitat is not faced with imminent development, nor is the species hunted2. The introduction of alien species (e.g. rats, brown tree snake Boiga irregularis) is a potential threat.

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