SAGIP SARIHAY #10
Species: Gallicolumba menagei (Sulu bleeding-heart)
Words by Franz Robert Estampador
Artwork by Maria Magdalaga
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).