Timor Green Pigeon Faces Severe Risk of Extinction

Timor Green Pigeon Faces Severe Risk of Extinction

¨     Timor Green Pigeon has been reported to be in an extremely alarming condition.

¨     According to a study published in May 2026, the global population of the species has declined to only around 100–500 individuals.

¨     Researchers have recommended placing the bird in the Critically Endangered category.

¨     The study was based on nearly 1,400 days of fieldwork conducted between 2002 and 2025.

¨     The scientific name of the Timor Green Pigeon is Treron psittaceus.

¨     It belongs to the Treron genus, which includes several green pigeon species found across Asia and the Indo-Pacific region.

¨     The species is mainly found in Timor-Leste.

¨     Most records are associated with Lautem district and Nino Konis Santana National Park.

¨     The bird has also been observed in small numbers on nearby islands such as Rote, Semau, Atauro, and Jaco.

¨     Earlier estimates placed the population at around 2,000 individuals.

¨     Recent studies have shown a sharp decline in its numbers.

¨     No records of the species have been reported from western Timor in Indonesia since 2005.

¨     As a result, the species is considered functionally extinct in western Timor.

¨     Hunting is regarded as the biggest threat to the species.

¨     The bird is locally hunted for its meat.

¨     Deforestation and land-use change are rapidly destroying its natural habitat.

¨     Experts have stressed the urgent need for conservation measures to protect the species.