Alarming Population Decline

Recent field research by Charles Darwin University and BirdLife International reveals that the Timor parrot-dove—once a familiar sight across Timor, Roti and neighboring islands—may be teetering on the edge of disappearance. The scientists estimate that fewer than 100 to 500 mature individuals remain in the wild, a stark contrast to historic numbers that supported stable populations throughout Indonesia.

From ‘Threatened’ to ‘Critically Endangered’

The authors of the study, published in the journal Oryx, argue that the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) should upgrade the species’ status from “Threatened” to “Critically Endangered,” the penultimate category before a species is declared extinct in the wild. Their recommendation is based on intensive surveys conducted between 2002 and 2025, encompassing more than 1,400 days of fieldwork across Timor‑Leste, West Timor, Roti and the tiny island of Semau.

Survey Findings

Across the five‑year period the researchers recorded 96 reliable sightings. The most recent observations cluster in Lautém District of Timor‑Leste and the Nino Konis Santana National Park. In contrast, West Timor—once a stronghold for the dove—has yielded no confirmed records since 2005 despite concerted search efforts. Similarly, sightings on Roti and Semau are now exceedingly rare, suggesting that the bird has vanished from large swathes of its historic range rather than simply being overlooked.

Ecology and Threats

The Timor parrot-dove is a fruit‑eating pigeon, its plumage reminiscent of a green mango. Like many island birds, it suffers from a double jeopardy: habitat loss and targeted hunting. Deforestation removes the fruit‑bearing trees the dove depends on, while hunters—aware of these trees—can harvest multiple birds in a single outing. Local hunters consider the dove desirable for its meat, and hunting remains intertwined with cultural practices, making behavioral change a delicate challenge.

Voices from the Field

Lead researcher Colin Trainor recalls spotting the bird easily in dense forest back in 2002. “Today it is heartbreaking to see so few individuals left,” he says, urging governments, NGOs and local communities to join forces before the species fades forever. Community member Jafet Potenzo Lopes from Lautém notes that a decade ago the dove could be seen on routine walks, whereas now it survives only in the most remote protected zones.

Conservation Outlook

Protected areas host most of the remaining birds, yet paper protection alone fails to halt illegal hunting. The researchers stress the necessity of integrating village residents into management plans, fostering stewardship for the dove within its own neighborhoods. Without coordinated action, the green island pigeon could become another cautionary tale of extinction.

Source: https://scientias.nl/deze-groene-eilandduif-dreigt-binnenkort-voorgoed-te-verdwijnen/