Identification:
- Body Length: 38 cm.
- Distinguishing Features:
- Red beak; reddish-pink forehead in males, lemon-yellow in females. This is the most noticeable difference when compared to two other similar species commonly found in Vietnam.
- Underparts: Pale pink from chest to under the tail in males, pale lemon-yellow in females.
- Tail: Dark brown in males (see illustration).
Biology and Ecology:
The Pink-tailed Green Pigeon is a resident species, not widely distributed. It is found in broadleaf evergreen forests, foraging in the lower canopy or on the ground, especially in areas with bamboo or tall trees. Suitable habitats are forests at altitudes of approximately 1,500 to 3,200 meters. However, during the winter, when temperatures drop, they may move up or down in elevation. In some areas, they can be found as low as 1,220 meters (6, 7, 79). The breeding season is from April to May.
Distribution:
- Vietnam: Lào Cai, Lai Châu (Hoàng Liên Sơn mountain range).
- Global: Bhutan, India, China, Myanmar.
Value:
A beautiful bird, a valuable genetic resource, threatened with extinction in its regional habitat, in Vietnam, and globally.
Conservation Status:
- As of today, the species has not been found within the known distribution areas in Vietnam, specifically within the nature reserves and Hoàng Liên Sơn National Park – Lai Châu, Hoàng Liên Sơn – Sa Pa (Lao Cai), and Hoàng Liên Sơn – Văn Bàn (Lao Cai).
- Further research is needed in these areas, especially in the forest areas at different elevations.
- The primary threats include deforestation and habitat loss due to logging and the practice of slash-and-burn agriculture of the ethnic minorities living on the Hoàng Liên Sơn mountains, such as the H’mong and the Man people. Also hunting for food and logging.
Classification:
CR A1a,c,d C2a D
Conservation Measures:
- Listed in the Asian Red Data Book of Birds (2001) as Near Threatened (NT).
- Further research is needed to discover and gather data on the current status, population, and habitat of this species, especially at the higher elevations of the Hoàng Liên Sơn range, in the areas of Lào Cai and Sơn La provinces, and even in the Tây Côn Lĩnh mountains of Hà Giang province.
- Continue to establish, strengthen, and improve forest management and biodiversity conservation in existing and proposed protected areas within the Hoàng Liên Sơn range and surrounding areas.
- Educate and assist communities living in the area to change production practices and reduce hunting of wild animals for food.