Maroon pigeon  (Columba thomensis)

On the island of São Tomé, large areas of forest have been cleared for coffee and cocoa plantations. Today, remaining primary and secondary forest continue to be cleared for cultivation, timber and fuelwood (5). This habitat destruction has greatly reduced the range of the maroon pigeon, and continues to force it into an ever decreasing area of montane forest (2). Coupled with the impact of habitat loss is the ever-present threat of hunting. Their docile nature makes them an easy target and they are also lured closer by fires lit by hunters (2). The maroon pigeon’s extinction on Rolas shows how such threats can impact on the species and gives a grim insight of what may happen on São Tomé if action is not taken.

Strict protection of the maroon pigeon and its remaining habitat is vital if this species is to survive (4). Protected zones of primary forest and the establishment of a National Park on São Tomé have been proposed (6), and a new law regarding the protection of areas and threatened species awaits ratification (5). It is hoped that these essential measures are implemented before the attractive maroon pigeon no longer adorns the forests of São Tomé.