The Bleeding Heart Doves are one of the most coveted Birds to see in the wild. They are strikingly-colored Birds, with different shades of green, orange, brown, and red adorning their plumage.
All five species of this unique avian treasure are exclusively found in the Philippines. Sadly, they are threatened with extinction.
THREATENED WITH EXTINCTION
Bleeding Heart Doves are ground Doves (from the genus Gallicolumba), spending most of their time feeding on plant matter and invertebrates in the forest floor. They are very sensitive to movement and sound. Even the slightest noise triggers the Birds to flee.
They prefer the confines of forest shrubs and undergrowth, rarely venturing out to open trails. They also build nests on bushes, shrubs, and vines near the ground. It is during nesting season that Bleeding Hearts become more vulnerable to hunters and poachers.
Unfortunately, all of our Bleeding Heart Dove species in the country are threatened with extinction.
Critical to the survival of the Negros Bleeding Heart is the expansion of their range and the provision of more forests.
WHY “BLEEDING HEART”?
Bleeding Heart Doves are best known for the blood red markings on their chest, which appear like a stab wound, hence the name. On males, this red marking appears brighter during breeding season.
WHEN FORESTS ARE BLED DRY
The Sulu Bleeding Heart is possibly extinct with no confirmed sighting since 1891, while according to the classification of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, the Mindoro and Negros Bleeding Heart Doves are Critically Endangered, the Mindanao Bleeding Heart is Vulnerable, and the Luzon Bleeding Heart is Near-Threatened.
The biggest threat to their survival is habitat loss. These Doves are highly dependent on undisturbed forests in order to breed in the wild. As our civilization progresses, more and more forests are cleared to make way for roads, farms, and human settlements.
Without the right conditions, these Doves refuse to multiply, and eventually die out. They are also a common victim of hunting and trappings for the illegal pet trade, further pushing their numbers to the brink of extinction.
The biggest challenge to conservation efforts has always been providing a suitable habitat for these wild Birds. Currently, in Negros, only three percent of forests are left standing.
CONSERVATION EFFORTS
A recent development in the captive breeding program of the Negros Bleeding Heart has given us a sliver of hope that not all is lost for these mysterious, one-of-a-kind Birds.
The Talarak Foundation, in cooperation with the Mandai Wildlife Group in Singapore, has successfully bred the Negros Bleeding Heart in Mandai Bird Paradise Singapore and has repatriated ten Doves back to the Philippines. These Birds will eventually be released in the wild and will hopefully increase the numbers of Negros Bleeding Hearts.
The biggest challenge to conservation efforts has always been providing a suitable habitat for these wild Birds. Currently, in Negros, only three percent of forests are left standing.
3 WAYS WE CAN HELP
Critical to the survival of the Negros Bleeding Heart is the expansion of their range and the provision of more forests. While these might be a tall order, there are other ways we can help.
DO PLANT NATIVE TREES
By planting native trees even in urbanized areas, we can encourage more wildlife to integrate with human settlements.
This way, other species of Birds and wildlife, especially those tolerant with human footprint, can expand their range and give more space for the Negros Bleeding Heart Doves in the primary forest.
DO REPORT ILLEGAL SELLERS
All our Bleeding Heart Doves have been declining due to these human activities. While people patronize these hunters and poachers, what is left of our Bleeding Hearts will continue to decline. Reporting these illegal activities to your local authorities will help eradicate these threats.
DON’T BUY THESE DOVES
Another way we can help is by joining the fight against hunting and trapping of wild Birds for the pet trade.
As conservation efforts have gained a small step towards the right direction, ultimately the fate of the Negros Bleeding Heart, and all the Bleeding Heart Doves of the Philippines, lies on our shoulders. Saving these Bird species from extinction entails all of us to buy into the idea.
I am still hopeful that one day, we will see the Bleeding Hearts conquer the forests of our country once more, and that seeing one in the wild will no longer be a rare sighting, but a common occurrence.
