Once again, the Asian bird collection of the Debrecen Zoo grew with a new, never-before-kept species, after a male mane pigeon arrived from the Vogelpark Avifauna in the Netherlands, informed dr. Gergely Sándor Nagy Managing Director. The colorful newcomer has already taken possession of the pigeon flyer of the institution, where visitors can also admire it.
Caloenas nicobarica is a nomadic species migrating from island to island, native to the coasts and archipelagos of Southeast Asia. Its mature specimens are recognizable by their white tail feathers, which contrast well with their metallic blue and green plumage, which on the one hand help their peers flying behind them to maintain their direction of travel, and on the other hand indicate the bird’s reproductive age. Males try to find a pair for themselves by ruffling their mane formed by their long neck ornaments, with whom they then stay together for the rest of their lives. Interestingly, according to the latest genetic research, this species is considered to be the closest living relative of the once endemic, now extinct dodo on the island of Mauritius.
Due to habitat loss, hunting and commercial capture, the species is listed on the World Conservation Union (IUCN) Red List and in Annex I to the Washington Convention (CITES). It is hoped that laying hens will soon arrive at the newcomer of the Debrecen institution so that the zoo population of this rarity for species conservation purposes will be able to grow further.
zoodebrecen.hu
