Mindoro's Rarest Bird Photographed After Nearly Two Decades

CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro — A critically endangered bird that’s considered one of Mindoro’s rarest species has been captured on camera for the first time in nearly two decades, offering conservationists fresh hope for its survival in the island’s remaining forests. The Mindoro bleeding-heart (Gallicolumba platenae) was photographed in August at an elevation of more than 1,000 meters in the province. The bird, known for the vibrant red patch on its chest, has seen its population dwindle due to habitat destruction and hunting. Its elusive nature and declining numbers had led to fears that it might have gone extinct. The recent sighting confirms the continued existence of the species in the wild, providing a crucial boost for conservation efforts aimed at protecting its remaining habitat on the island. Mindoro is a biodiversity hotspot, but many of its endemic species are threatened by agricultural expansion and illegal logging. This rediscovery underscores the urgent need for intensified conservation initiatives.