Dwarf olive ibis  (Bostrychia bocagei)

The historical clearance of much of Sao Tomé’s lowland forest for sugar cane and cocoa plantations undoubtedly had a catastrophic impact on the dwarf olive ibis’s population (2) (5) (6). While today large-scale clearance for plantations has mostly stopped (2) (5), forest clearance for small farms continues, and there is also the possibility that exploitation of primary forest for timber and firewood will increase dramatically in the future (5). In addition, this species is severely affected by hunting and predation from introduced mammals such as the mona monkey (Cercopithecus mona), African civet (Civettictis civetta) and weasel (Mustela nivalis) (2). With its population estimated in 2007 to be between 50 and 249 individuals, the combined effects of these threats are rapidly pushing the dwarf olive ibis towards extinction (2).

There are currently no conservation measures in place for the dwarf olive ibis. While various organisations have proposed that this species and its habitat should be given protected status, this has yet to occur (2) (6). Without intervention, this unique species, found nowhere else in the world, could disappear forever (2).