Lompobattang fruit-dove

The Lompobattang fruit-dove (Ptilinopus meridionalis) is a species of bird in the pigeon family. It is native to Sulawesi, Indonesia.

Description
These birds are around 35 to 37 cm long. They have black upperparts and a grey head and underparts. They have a dark-purple mask behind their eyes, which is unique for this species.

Taxonomy
It was first described in 1893 by Meyer and Wiglesworth. This species was formerly placed with Ptilinopus fischeri before they were split into two distinct species.

Distribution
This species occurs in south-western Sulawesi, Indonesia where they occupy an estimated surface of 468 km2. They usually reside in forests and are found at elevations between 1,000 to 3,000 m.

Status
It is listed as vulnerable by the IUCN. There are believed to be between 2,500 and 10,000 Lompobattang fruit-doves in one sub-population.

Threats
Habitat loss from deforestation has led to a slow decline in the population of the species.

Conservation
While there are no current conversation actions in progress, there is a proposal for 200 km2 of the Gunung Lompobattang mountain to be designated as a nature reserve.