Timor Green Pigeon on Brink of Extinction as Hunters and Habitat Loss Spark Outcry

Post date: May 10, 2026 · Discovered: May 10, 2026 · 3 posts, 8 comments

The Timor green pigeon, a rare bird species native to Timor-Leste, is facing imminent extinction due to rampant hunting and habitat destruction. A recent study reveals the bird is functionally extinct in Indonesia and critically endangered in Timor-Leste, prompting urgent calls for conservation action.

Commenters overwhelmingly agree that the bird is at serious risk, with many expressing frustration and disbelief at the scale of the threat. One user exclaimed, 'theyre eating them? god that is so fucking stupid,' while another lamented, 'I hope not, but that does seem unfortunately likely.' Cultural practices and local attitudes toward hunting were also highlighted, with Jafet Potenzo Lopes noting that changing local behavior is a significant challenge.

The community consensus is clear: the Timor green pigeon requires immediate conservation efforts. However, there is a notable divide between those advocating for strict conservation measures and those emphasizing the cultural significance of hunting. The debate underscores the urgency of the situation and the complexity of addressing it.

Key Points

#1The Timor green pigeon is critically endangered due to hunting and habitat loss.

Commenters like Trying2KnowMyself and Alex Berryman emphasized the bird's precarious status, with the latter noting it may be one of the most likely bird species to go extinct in Wallacea.

#2Hunting is a deeply rooted cultural practice in the region.

LeninWalksTheEarth argued that conservation efforts face significant resistance due to the cultural significance of hunting, a point echoed by Jafet Potenzo Lopes.

#3The situation is likened to the extinction of the Dodo, highlighting irreversible consequences.

SocialistVibes01 drew a parallel to the Dodo's extinction, underscoring the urgency of the threat.

#4Emotional responses to the bird's potential extinction are strong.

meatcringe expressed distress through an emoji, while others conveyed frustration and disbelief.

Source Discussions (3)

This report was synthesized from the following Lemmy discussions, ranked by community score.

39
points
Timor green pigeon 'likely to go extinct' without urgent action, according to scientists
[email protected]·6 comments·5/10/2026·by Trying2KnowMyself·phys.org
30
points
Timor green pigeon 'likely to go extinct' without urgent action, according to scientists
[email protected]·2 comments·5/10/2026·by Trying2KnowMyself·phys.org
19
points
Timor green pigeon 'likely to go extinct' without urgent action, according to scientists
[email protected]·0 comments·5/10/2026·by Trying2KnowMyself·phys.org