Rare Green Pigeon Spotted After Years Sparks Hope

When Jafet Potenzo Lopes spotted three green pigeons on Timor-Leste's south coast in April, he could hardly believe his eyes. He hadn't seen the rare birds in years, and their appearance in a place with no previous record was unexpected.

The Timor green pigeon is vanishing fast. A new study estimates only 100 to 500 birds remain across eight sites worldwide, with the true number likely closer to 100.

Most survivors live in eastern Timor-Leste, particularly in Nino Konis Santana National Park, the only place thought to have more than 50 birds. In Indonesia, where the species once thrived on West Timor and nearby islands, the pigeon may already be gone.

The main threat is hunting. These pigeons gather at fruiting trees to eat, making them easy targets. When one bird gets shot, the others often stay in the canopy instead of fleeing, leaving them vulnerable to more gunfire.

Forest loss has shrunk their habitat too. More than 80% of known sightings now come from protected areas, but those parks lack the funding and staff to stop illegal hunting effectively.

Why This Inspires

The good news is that scientists know exactly what needs to happen. They're calling for regular surveys, monitoring every three to five years, and partnership with local hunters to protect the birds instead of shooting them.

Timor-Leste already protects the species under national law, and some forests where pigeons survive are safeguarded by customary community systems. Researchers suggest involving former hunters in conservation work, turning those who once threatened the birds into their protectors.

Those three pigeons in Manatuto show that birds still exist in unexpected places. While their discovery doesn't change the dire overall situation, it proves the species hasn't given up yet.

The window to save the Timor green pigeon is narrow, but it's still open. With dedicated funding, community support, and consistent monitoring, these vibrant birds can recover from the brink.