2 Mindanao bleeding-heart pigeons spotted in Mt. Hamiguitan

Two Mindanao bleeding-heart pigeons were spotted at the foothills of the Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary during a Biodiversity Assessment and Monitoring System (BAMS) activity on Wednesday, July 29, 2026.

According to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Davao (DENR-11), the species was also observed accidentally in the same area by a biodiversity monitoring intern between June and July this year before yesterday’s documented sighting.

During that time, a male Mindanao bleeding-heart pigeon was observed displaying courtship behavior toward a female, indicating possible breeding activity within the sanctuary.

The intern then informed sanctuary personnel of the sighting.

DENR-11 said the last confirmed observation of the Mindanao bleeding-heart within the sanctuary was documented on August 8, 2019.

DENR-11 added that the Mindanao bleeding-heart is a ground-dwelling dove species under the pigeon family and is endemic to the Philippines. It is found in Mindanao, Basilan, Samar, Leyte, Bohol, and the Dinagat Islands, where it inhabits primary and secondary tropical lowland rainforests at elevations of up to 750 meters above sea level.

DENR-11 said it is one of the five endemic bleeding-heart dove species found in the Philippines, each restricted to specific island groups.

“Based on the Updated National List of Threatened Philippine Fauna and their Categories (DENR Administrative Order No. 2019-09), the Mindanao bleeding-heart is classified as Vulnerable, indicating that the species faces a high risk of population decline in the wild if current threats persist.,” DENR-11 said.

DENR-11 said the discovery highlights the need to strengthen enforcement against illegal wildlife trade while carrying out sustained conservation efforts to ensure the species’ long-term survival and recovery. —GMA Regional TV News