A successful expedition in Papua New Guinea captured photos and video of the chicken-size pigeon, highlighting the value of local ecological knowledge as scientists seek out other long-missing species. The camera's screen may have been small, but there was no doubt about what appeared: the elusive Black-naped Pheasant-Pigeon, a species unseen by scientists since its initial discovery in 1882!
With the discovery that the Black-naped Pheasant-Pigeon still roams the Earth, the quest has shifted to ensuring the survival of this critically endangered species. Just like other elusive avian creatures that were thought to have vanished, the population of the Black-naped Pheasant-Pigeon is presumed to be minuscule and in grave danger of extinction.
The Black-naped Pheasant-Pigeon Fun Facts:
Habitat
The Black-naped Pheasant-pigeon is native to Fergusson Island, a small island off the coast of Papua New Guinea.Ā
Size
The Black-naped Pheasant-pigeon is a large, ground-dwelling bird that's about the size of a chicken.Ā
Appearance
It has a bobbing tail, a purplish-black head, underparts, rump, and lower back, chestnut wings, and a mantle.Ā
Diet
The Black-naped Pheasant-pigeon eats seeds and fallen fruit.Ā
Population
The Black-naped Pheasant-pigeon is critically endangered, with an estimated population of 50 to 249 birds.Ā
Threats
The Black-naped Pheasant-pigeon's population is declining due to the loss of forest habitat, which is threatened by logging and conversion for agriculture. Other threats include pigs, Polynesian rats, cats, and Black or Norwegian rats.Ā
Conservation
Proposed conservation actions include surveys to estimate population size, protecting the remaining primary forest, and limiting logging and mining.
Oh, I can't believe I've never heard of this breathtaking bird before! What a stunning creature indeed! A million thanks for enlightening me with such a majestic discovery!