Sagip Sarihay Series features critically endangered species in the Philippines, with weekly posts of alternating plant and animal species, and with the primary aims of awareness and call to action. This series is a project of the SciTech and the VA sections of UST-CSJ. (Note: Weekly order of posting does not reflect actual order of intensity of endangerment. Database reference for selection of species is the IUCN Red List.)

SAGIP SARIHAY #10

Species: Gallicolumba menagei (Sulu bleeding-heart)

Words by Franz Robert Estampador
Artwork by Maria Magdalaga

A visual representation of Sulu bleeding-heart.

Description

The critically endangered Sulu bleeding-heart, Gallicolumba menagei, is famous for that bright red- or orange-colored patch on the breast plumage that resembles a puncture wound. It comes from the family of pigeons and doves. The only two specimens collected from Tawi-Tawi in 1891 and unconfirmed local sightings of the bird in the 1990s described it as a very rare species (Butchart et al., 2005).

It was named in recognition of Louis F. Menage (1850–1924), an American philanthropist. At risk of totally being wiped out, the bird serves as an icon for major conservation efforts and the protection of the remaining natural habitats.

Locality

It is endemic to the primary forests of the Sulu archipelago (Tawi-Tawi) in the Philippines (van de Ven et al., 2019).

Threats

Illegal logging and deforestation are major threats to the small population of this critically endangered species (Lambert, 1993). The demand for timber is high, leading to overexploitation of resources. Extensive hunting is also considered a threat to this bird (Butchart et al, 2005). The unprotected habitat and limited documentation negatively contribute to the protection and survival of this species.

How can we help this endangered species?

The National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) can help protect the natural habitat of Sulu-bleeding heart (Peterson et al, 2000). Engaging in research is important to document and identify key factors in addressing the problem (Butchart et al., 2005). Moreover, the call to stop illegal logging and deforestation must be heard.

References

BirdLife International. 2016. Gallicolumba menagei. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species

2016: e.T22691005A93299100. DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T22691005A93299100.en.

Butchart, S. H. M., Collar, N. J., Crosby, M. J., & Tobias, J. A. (2005). Lost” and poorly known

birds: top targets for birders in Asia. Birding Asia, 3, 41–49.

Lambert, F. R. (1993). Some key sites and significant records of birds in the Philippines and

Sabah. Bird Conservation International, 3(4), 281–297.

Peterson, A. T., Ball, L. G., & Brady, K. W. (2000). Distribution of the birds of the Philippines:

biogeography and conservation priorities. Bird Conservation International, 10(2), 149–167.

van de Ven, W., Muallil, R., & Realubit, N. D. (2019). Living on the Edge: Current Status of

Rare Sulu Endemic Avifauna. Journal of Environmental Science and Management, (1).