Nesoenas mayeri
The success to date of the recovery project for the pink pigeon is an excellent example of how intensive management techniques can bring a species back from the brink of extinction. The recovery project started in 1973 and has used several management techniques to support the wild population including supplemental feeding, the provision of artificial nests, control of introduced predators, and habitat restoration. A captive-breeding and release program was established in 1984 to boost the wild population. As a result of these programs, the wild population now numbers over 360 birds, and both wild and captive-bred birds have reproduced especially well in the last several years. This renewed strength of the species has allowed us to scale back the captive-breeding program, focusing on genetically valuable pigeons that will diversify the gene pool in the wild population when they are released.
The island of Mauritius and its endangered bird species have been a training ground for our Canada’s New Noahs for over 20 years.
Description
The pink pigeon is a mid-sized pigeon similar to the common pigeon found in cities around the world. As its name suggests, it has light pink feathers, along with brown wings, dark pink bill, legs and feet, and a dark brown tail. Females typically weigh 315 g and measure 26-28cm beak to tail. Males are slightly smaller.
The pigeons feed on buds, leaves, flowers, fruits and seeds of both native and exotic plants. Their long breeding season extends from December to September, but it peaks between April and June. Both parents take part in building nests, incubating the small clutch of one to two white eggs, and rearing the chicks. Eggs take 14 days to hatch, and if they are lost, the pink pigeon will lay another clutch.
Habitat
Native only to Mauritius, the Pink Pigeon used to be widely distributed throughout the island.
Distribution and Population Size
Today, pink pigeons are found only in four sub-populations in remote, forested or mountainous regions of southwestern Mauritius. In the early 1970s, the population was down to 20 known wild birds. Today, the wild population is now estimated at over 360 individuals.
Threats to survival
Threats include nest predation by introduced predators (rats, mongooses, macaques and feral cats); competition for food from introduced birds; limited and degraded habitat; natural disasters such as cyclones; disease carried by non-native birds.
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