Threats
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 forest-cover
occurred during Indonesian rule (1975-1999). Monsoon-forests now only
cover an estimated 4% of
West Timor
, scattered around seven unprotected patches that are continually
declining in size due to intensive grazing and burning. In addition,
pigeons are apparently hunted extensively in East and
West Timor
, a factor that
has presumably contributed to the decline of this species.
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