Mindoro bleeding-heart pigeon spotted after 20 years

MANILA, Philippines — A critically endangered Mindoro bleeding-heart, a ground pigeon species endemic to Mindoro Island, has been photographed in the jungles of Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro.

It was the first time in 20 years that the species was spotted, according to environment officials.

The Center for Conservation Innovation Ph Inc. (CCIPH) released photographs of the pigeon with the help of the Iraya Mangyan communities and their local government partners.

Recorded through a stealth camera in August, the image is proof that the species still exists in the jungles of Mindoro, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources said.

The DENR, through the community environment and natural resources office in Socorro town, has been joining biodiversity assessments and ecological recovery discussions, and supporting the training and deputation of CCIPH forest guards.

A proposed memorandum of agreement will formalize the coordination and facilitate information-sharing, field collaboration and joint conservation efforts.

The Mindoro bleeding-heart is a small, secretive and ground-dwelling pigeon named after the distinct red patch on its chest.

Once described as common on the island’s forest interiors, the species later became localized due to the loss, fragmentation or alteration of its lowland forest habitat.

Before the recent documentation, the bird’s last confirmed record of existence was in 2005.

Following the discovery, the DENR-Mimaropa, through the CENRO-Socorro, committed to join studies and assessments intended to validate the record and update information on the species’ distribution and habitat.

The DENR said it would coordinate with local government units, indigenous cultural communities, national government agencies and other stakeholders for the establishment of a critical habitat or appropriate conservation area for the Mindoro bleeding-heart.

For the DENR-Mimaropa, the photograph is not just proof of the bird’s existence, but a basis for a coordinated action to protect the forest landscape on which the species’ survival depends.