NICOBAR
PIGEON - ENVIRONMENT
News:
De-extincting the dodo:
Why scientists are planning to bring back the bird to Mauritius
What's
in the news?
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Geneticists and conservationists have
joined forces to re-introduce the Dodo, extinct since the late 17th century, to
its once native habitat in the island of Mauritius.
Nicobar
Pigeon:
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The Nicobar Pigeon is one of the most
beautiful of the many species of pigeons or doves and is the only living member of the genus Caloenus.
Habitat:
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It is found in the Islands of Nicobar, south west peninsular Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam,
Indonesia, Philippines, Solomans and palau.
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Once known to be found in abundance in its
range, their numbers in the wild are declining as they are frequently captured
for pet trade and hunted for food.
Features:
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Slightly larger than other pigeons at 40
cm, it has a dark slaty grey body with lustrous metallic blue-green and
copper-bronze upperparts.
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It can easily be distinguished by its glistening mane-like neck hackles and
sharply contrasting white tail coverts and tail.
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Females
are smaller in size than males with shorter neck
hackles and brown under parts.
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Youngs are born dull grey without the neck
hackles and a bronzy green tail instead of white.
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It is known to remain solitary as well as is found in flocks of 20-30.
Conservation
Status:
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IUCN
Status - Near Threatened
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CITES
- Appendix
1