Only 100–500 left: Why the Timor green pigeon is disappearing

The Timor green pigeon, a forest-dwelling species endemic to Timor, Rote, and nearby islands in eastern Indonesia and Timor-Leste, may be on the brink of extinction. Recent research suggests there are only 100-500 mature individuals remaining globally, with populations likely closer to the lower estimate. The IUCN Red List status may need to be upgraded from Endangered to Critically Endangered.

The bird's population decline is particularly severe in Indonesia, where only six records have been documented in the 21st century, and most of the remaining birds are found in Timor-Leste, specifically in Lautem District and Nino Konis Santana National Park. Wildlife photographer and environmentalist Indrajit Ghorpade attributes the pigeon's decline to human activities, emphasizing that the species is a victim of habitat destruction, hunting, and its vulnerability to gunfire.

Ghorpade notes that the bird's breeding population is already under pressure, with fragmented and isolated habitats leading to weaker, less resilient generations. He stresses the importance of conservation efforts and human empathy in saving the Timor green pigeon, which faces similar threats as other endangered species across diverse ecosystems.