BACOLOD CITY (PIA) — Ten Negros bleeding heart (NBH) pigeons native to this province were recently brought back to the Philippines from the care of the Mandai Wildlife Group (MWG) in Singapore.
This marks the return of some of this critically-endangered species from the MWG to their native Negros Island habitat after the successful first-ever conservation breeding program outside the country.
The breeding program, which intended to build a captive assurance colony to ensure the species’ protection, began in 2019 through the collaboration of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Talarak Foundation, Inc. (TFI), and other local and international partners.
In 2021, six NBH pigeons were sent to Singapore for the program, which then resulted in the increase in their number over the years.
During the turnover program on Jan. 16 at the TFI’s Conservation Breeding Facility in Bacolod City, Singapore Ambassador to the Philippines Constance See said this milestone represents the vital role of partnerships in addressing global challenges such as biodiversity loss attributed to hunting and deforestation.
“Singapore is the only country outside the Philippines to be hosting the Negros Bleeding Heart pigeons and the majestic Philippine Eagle. This speaks volumes of our mutual confidence, trust, and shared commitment to protecting and conserving nature,” Amb. See said.
For his part, Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson thanked the MWG, the Singaporean Government, and the Talarak Foundation for their dedication and relentless support in ensuring the future of the NBH pigeons.
“Let this event inspire us all to take action in protecting the habitats that sustain not just these birds but the biodiversity of this island,” he said.
Lacson then reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to conservation and continued collaboration with different organization, both local and international, to safeguard Negros Island’s natural heritage for the generations to come.
With the return of the 10 NBH pigeons in Negros Island, local conservation authorities call on Negrense people’s more active participation in protecting wildlife and the ecosystem. (AGP/BPS/PIA Negros Occidental)
