|
|
| Order |
Columbiformes |
| Family |
Columbidae |
| Scientific
name |
Ducula bakeri |
|
English name |
Baker's Imperial-Pigeon |
| Alternative
name |
Vanuatu Imperial-Pigeon |
| Bislama
name(s) |
Natutu, Nawemba blong hill/maonten, Soraifas |
| Status
in Vanuatu |
Endemic species |
| Recent
records |
42
View
Distribution
|
| Contributions |
0
Images,
1
Recordings.
|
| This species is endemic to the larger islands of northern Vanuatu. It is generally confined to mountain forests above 600 m (Bregulla, 1992). However, it may be frequently heard calling near sea level on south Vanua Lava at the base of steep mountains and shares this habitat with Pacific Imperial-Pigeons (S. Totterman, personal observation). It is reported to be wary and difficult to observe (Bregulla, 1992) but the call is powerful, unmistakeable and repeated frequently. IUCN Red List Category: VULNERABLE on the basis of an estimated small population which is inferred to be declining through habitat loss and, to a lesser extent, hunting (BirdLife, 2004b). Surveys are needed to more precisely determine range, abundance, habitat and altitudinal requirements (BirdLife, 2004b). Also, the relationship to the Pacific Imperial-Pigeon may not be as clear-cut as described in Bregulla (1992). We have no recent records of this bird on Ambae. Villagers from Ambanga and Duviara, in the north, say they no longer have this bird. It may still persist elsewhere in the mountains of Ambae and more extensive searches are needed. References. |
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