The Nicobar pigeon (Caloenas nicobarica) is one of the most beautiful birds in the world. This rare pigeon is found on small islands and in coastal regions from theNicobar Islands, east through the Malay Archipelago, to the Solomons and Palau. It is the only living member of the genus Caloenas and it is the closest living relative to the dodo.
The Nicobar pigeon is known to be undergoing a slow decline in numbers. The clearance of many small islands and adjacent areas of lowland forest for plantations has severely reduced both the preferred breeding and foraging habitats of this bird. The introduction of non-native predators such as rats and cats on important breeding grounds has exacerbated the effects of habitat loss, especially as the Nicobar pigeon nests in large aggregations.
Hunting and trapping for food, the pet trade and possibly its gizzard stones has also had a serious impact on the numbers of this species.
Help save these unique birds from extinction by telling the governments of countries, where the Nicobar Pigeon is found, to provide further conservation measures and educate local people to help prevent trapping for food and pet trade.
