Nilgiri Wood-pigeon
Columba elphinstonii
Justification This pigeon qualifies as Vulnerable
owing to its small, declining population, a result of widespread
destruction of its forest habitat. |
|
Threats Historically, it was hunted for food
and sport, which probably contributed to its decline. Currently, the loss,
degradation and increasing fragmentation of forest are a greater concern.
In Maharashtra, forest cover is declining because of shifting cultivation
and collection of timber for fuel and building. A massive 47% of
evergreen/semi-evergreen forest was lost in the Kerala portion of the
Western Ghats between 1961-1988, principally as a result of conversion to
plantations, cash-crops, and clearance for human settlements and
development projects. In certain portions of its range (e.g. Goa) hunting
is considered a threat. |
Conservation It is legally protected in India and
occurs in at least 16 protected areas, most in Kerala, including three
national parks, 10 wildlife sanctuaries, one tiger reserve and two reserve
forests. |
Targets *Conduct research into seasonal
movements and identify key sites. *Establish protected areas where
necessary, ensure these sites are effectively safeguarded, and promote
sustainable exploitation of forests throughout the Western Ghats.
*Campaign for significant reductions in the conversion of natural forest
to plantation. *Promote community-based conservation initiatives focusing
on alternatives to deforestation and restoration of disturbed natural
habitats within its range. |
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