Wounded endangered Nicobar pigeon rescued in Palawan

This wounded Nicobar pigeon (Caloenas nicobarica), a critically endangered wild bird, was rescued by local authorities in Bataraza, Palawan. Locally known as “siete colores”, the bird received treatment for a deep wound on its right wing and signs if infection on its left foot, on June 3. Photos courtesy of PCSD

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY –– A wounded Nicobar pigeon (Caloenas nicobarica), a critically endangered wild bird, was rescued by local authorities in Bataraza town in Palawan province, report said Saturday.

The Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD), in a press statement issued Friday afternoon, said the Nicobar pigeon was first rescued, with an evident deep wound on its right wing and signs of infection on its left foot, on June 3.

Locally known as “siete colores (seven colors)” because of its distinct plumage, the wild bird was said to have originated from the Game Refuge and Bird Sanctuary at the Ursula Island in southern municipality of Palawan.

Franklin Aquino, park superintendent of GRBS, turned over the Nicobar pigeon to the PCSD staff for proper medical attention.

The Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species categorized the wild bird under Appendix I, effectively banning its commercial trade.

The PCSD, through Resolution No. 15-521, has subsequently moved to place the Nicobar pigeon as a critically endangered species.

The Nicobar pigeon is generally found on small islands and in coastal regions of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India, east through the Malay archipelago, to the Solomons and Palau.

LZB