A pair of Mindanao bleeding-heart pigeons has been documented in the Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary in Davao Oriental for the first time in nearly seven years.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said two individuals of the Philippine-endemic bird were recorded on July 29 in the sanctuary’s foothills during a biodiversity monitoring activity.
The latest record came weeks after a biodiversity monitoring intern separately spotted a male and female in the same area between June and July.
According to the DENR, the male was observed performing a courtship display toward the female before the intern reported the sighting to sanctuary personnel, suggesting possible breeding activity within the protected area.
Before the recent documentation, the last confirmed observation of the species in the sanctuary was on Aug. 8, 2019.
In a Facebook post, the DENR said the discovery “reflects the success of ongoing Biodiversity Assessment and Monitoring System” activities jointly undertaken by the Protected Area Management Office of the Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary and DENR Region XI.
The Mindanao bleeding-heart (Gallicolumba crinigera) is a ground-dwelling dove found only in the Philippines and is one of five endemic bleeding-heart dove species in the country. It inhabits tropical lowland forests in Mindanao, Basilan, Samar, Leyte, Bohol and Dinagat.
The species is listed as Vulnerable under DENR Administrative Order No. 2019-09, highlighting the need for continued habitat protection, biodiversity monitoring, and stronger action against illegal wildlife trade.
The development fueled hopes that the elusive species may be breeding in the protected area.
“Great looks at this secretive and vulnerable endemic in the field!” a member of the Birdwatch Philippines Community wrote.
Others also called for the protection of these birds.
“Flora and fauna will co-exists that will last for a long long time only if we protect and expand their sanctuary and [territories],” a Facebook user wrote.
“Please save and protect,” another commented.
—With Rosette Adel
