What is the Timor green pigeon?

The Timor green pigeon, a little-known bird found only on Timor, Rote and nearby islands, is edging dangerously close to extinction. A Mongabay report, citing a new study published in Oryx, estimates that only 100–500 mature Timor green pigeons may remain globally, with the population likely closer to the lower end of that range. The researchers recommend reassessing the species’ IUCN Red List status from Endangered to Critically Endangered. The decline is particularly stark in Indonesia, where researchers believe the species may already be functionally extinct. Only six records have been made in Indonesia this century, while most of the remaining birds are concentrated in Timor-Leste, particularly in Lautem District and Nino Konis Santana National Park. Wildlife photographer and environmentalist Indrajit Ghorpade sees the Timor green pigeon as another example of a broader pattern in which human activity pushes wildlife towards extinction.