Justification
The population of this species is inferred to have undergone (and is forecast to undergo) a very rapid population decline concurrent with the rapid reduction in its lowland forest habitat. As a result, it is classified as Endangered.

Threats
Loss of monsoon-forest has been severe in its range, and this is the primary threat to the species, particularly as it favours the extreme lowlands. The mountains of East Timor were heavily deforested early in the 20th century, but habitat destruction has recently accelerated: an estimated 50% decline in remaining montane forest-cover occurred during Indonesian rule (1975-1999). Monsoon-forests now only cover an estimated 4% of West Timor , scattered in around seven unprotected patches that are continually declining in size due to intensive grazing and burning. In addition, pigeons (including this species) are apparently hunted extensively in Timor .

Conservation
Recent surveys have identified several areas in West Timor to be of conservation importance to the islands' endemic avifauna, one of which, Bipolo (though now only c.2 km²), supports the species and another, Camplong, did until very recently. Another site, Gunung Timau, is subject to an initiative to include it within the Gunung Mutis protected area.

Targets
*Conduct surveys for the species in remaining monsoon-forest tracts in East Timor (when security problems allow) and West Timor , Roti and Semau, to assess its current distribution, movements, ecological constraints, status and threats. *Propose key sites for establishment as strict protected areas. *Strongly support initiatives to establish a nature reserve encompassing Gunung Mutis and Gunung Timau. *Initiate conservation awareness programmes to elicit local support for forest conservation and reduce pigeon hunting.