Victoria crowned-pigeon  (Goura victoria)

These beautiful birds have suffered rapid population declines as a result of habitat destruction and hunting (8). Prized by poachers, Victoria crowned-pigeons are hunted for their meat, while nestlings are collected and reared for food (5). Their beautiful feathers and crest are also coveted, with the bird popular in the illegal pet trade and their feathers occasionally used by local people for head-dresses (4) (8). Sadly, poaching continues despite the bird being protected in many areas (8). Victoria crowned-pigeons are easily shot or taken by hunters because of their large size, tame and gregarious nature, and the fact that they fly only to low perches when scared, making them easy targets (1) (5). In addition, rainforest destruction continues at an alarming rate, with lowland forests threatened by logging and the associated logging roads facilitating greater access for hunters (2) (8). Thus, these beautiful, large birds have become threatened in all areas populated and accessible to man, and are now absent from large tracts of forest (3).

The Victoria crowned-pigeon is listed under Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), which regulates its import and export across borders, but this does not control domestic trade (3). The species is also protected by law in Papua New Guinea, although enforcement currently appears to be inadequate (2). Significant numbers of this bird are kept in zoos across Southeast Asia and the rest of the world, with captive breeding programmes existing in several of these facilities (2) (4). The suggested focus for conservation efforts for the future include enforcing protection in reserve areas, launching public awareness programmes to reduce hunting of this species, and even promoting this beautiful bird as a flagship species in ecotourism ventures (2). In essence, the Victoria crowned-pigeon's handsome appearance and spectacular plumage should be exploited in ways that advance its conservation and survival, and not its hunting.