Lompobattang fruit-dove

The Lompobattang fruit-dove (Ptilinopus meridionalis) is a species of bird in the pigeon family. It is native to Sulawesi, Indonesia.

Description

These birds are around long. They have black upperparts and a grey head and underparts. They have a dark-purple mask behind their eyes, which is unique for this species.

Taxonomy

It was first described in 1893 by Meyer and Wiglesworth. This species was formerly placed with Ptilinopus fischeri before they were split into two distinct species.

Distribution

This species occurs in south-western Sulawesi, Indonesia where they occupy an estimated surface of . They usually reside in forests and are found at elevations between .

Status

It is listed as vulnerable by the IUCN. There are believed to be between 2,500 and 10,000 Lompobattang fruit-doves in one sub-population.

Threats

Habitat loss from deforestation has led to a slow decline in the population of the species.

Conservation

While there are no current conversation actions in progress, there is a proposal for of the Gunung Lompobattang mountain to be designated as a nature reserve.

See also

• Fauna of Indonesia
• List of vulnerable birds
• Bantaeng Regency

References

Further reading

• del Hoyo, J., Elliott, A., Sargatal, J. 1997. Handbook of the Birds of the World, vol. 4: Sandgrouse to Cuckoos. Lynx Edicions, Barcelona, Spain.
• Sibley, C.G. and Monroe, B.L. 1990. Distribution and Taxonomy of Birds of the World. Yale University Press, New Haven, USA.
• Sibley, C.G. and Monroe, B.L. 1993. A supplement to 'Distribution and Taxonomy of Birds of the World. Yale University Press, New Haven, USA.