10 bleeding-heart pigeons bred in Singapore now back in Negros
BACOLOD CITY—At least 10 endangered doves bred in Singapore have been sent home to Negros Occidental to repopulate the islands of Negros and Panay where they used to thrive in abundance.
According to the provincial government, the turnover of the Negros bleeding-heart pigeons marks the first repatriation of this critically endangered species, which is endemic to Negros and Panay islands.
“It forms part of the ongoing conservation efforts aimed at recovering wild populations and ensuring the long-term survival of the species,” the provincial government said in a statement last week.
The Negros bleeding-heart pigeons were turned over by the Mandai Wildlife Group (MWG) based in Singapore to the Talarak Foundation–Negros Forest Park in Bacolod City on Jan. 17, two days after they were flown to the Philippines from the Lion City.
The repatriation of the doves was led by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
The Negros bleeding-heart pigeons (Gallicolumba keayi) is a small dove species previously found across Western Visayas but are now restricted only to Negros and Panay, the Talarak Foundation said.
As a lowland forest dwelling species, these doves have been pushed to near extinction due to deforestation and human encroachment across Negros Island.
Groundbreaking program
In September 2021, three breeding pairs of Negros bleeding-heart pigeons were entrusted by the Philippine government, through the provincial government and the DENR, to MWG in Singapore, then known as the Jurong Bird Park, as part of a groundbreaking captive breeding program.
This initiative was a significant step toward ensuring the survival of the critically endangered species.
After three years, MWG returned 10 birds to Negros Occidental—eight males and two females (1.5 to 2 years old) and all offspring of the original three pairs, marking the first-ever repatriation of the Negros bleeding-heart pigeons to its native country.
The three original pairs remained on loan to the MWG, said Dr. Monica Atienza, veterinarian of the Talarak Foundation, a private conservation group that runs the Negros Forest Park and which relies on donors to operate.
Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson said the return of the progeny of the Negros bleeding-heart pigeons underscored the importance of commitment, collaboration, and hope for the preservation of Negros Occidental’s critically endangered wildlife.
The governor thanked MWG, the Singaporean government, and the Talarak Foundation for their invaluable support in ensuring the future of the species.
“The survival of the Negros bleeding-heart pigeons relies not only on breeding programs but also on collective efforts in reforestation, conservation education and community engagement,” he said.
Present during the turnover were Constance See, Ambassador of the Republic of Singapore to the Philippines; Dr. Cheng Wen-Haur, MWG Chief of Life Sciences; and Provincial Environment and Naturals Resources Officer Joan Nathaniel Gerangaya, Talarak Foundation Inc. President Fernando Gutierrez, and Talarak Foundation, Inc. Executive Director Matthew Edward.
