Gallicolumba platenae
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mindoro_bleeding-heart
Overview
The Mindoro bleeding-heart, also referred to as kulo-kulo, la-do, manatad, manuk-manuk, punay, and puñalada by the Mangyan, is a species of ground dove native solely to the island of Mindoro in the Philippines. It is critically endangered and threatened by habitat loss through quarrying, land conversion and illegal logging. This species is also caught by hunters in snares.
Due to its biological line and its survival status, it has been listed as an EDGE species by the Zoological Society of London. With a lack of any official records after 2005, this species is now one of the rarest birds in the world.
The Mindanao Bleeding-heart faces severe pressure from extensive deforestation and habitat conversion throughout its limited range on Mindanao and nearby islands. Hunting for food and the illegal pet trade has significantly reduced populations, while the species' ground-dwelling habits make it particularly vulnerable to introduced predators and habitat disturbance. Mining operations and agricultural expansion continue to fragment the remaining lowland and montane forest patches essential for the species' survival.
Habitat
This ground-dwelling dove inhabits primary and secondary lowland forests, as well as montane forests up to 1,500 meters elevation. It prefers dense forest understory with thick leaf litter where it forages for seeds, fruits, and invertebrates on the forest floor.
