This bird is observed to perch on low branches and roost in trees. It comes to the ground to forage for food and this is when it is most vulnerable to the introduced rats, cats, dogs and pigs that are found in much of its range. Tinakula, which is free of rats and cats, used to be a safe refuge and stronghold for the birds. But even there, the bird was not safe from the resident yellow crazy ants. It was also heavily targeted by locals who visit the island to hunt, as well as gather fruits and cut trees to make canoes.

Many of the birds on Tinakula were caught and collected by trappers in 2017. A number were confiscated in the Solomon Islands before they could be smuggled out of the country. Some others probably ended up in the international cagebird market, unfortunately. Cyclones and volcanic eruptions also pose a high risk to the birds residing in Tinakula. In October 2017, the Tinakula volcano erupted, destroying a large part of the island, possibly killing off a large proportion of the remaining birds in the process.

In November 2017, 112 doves were found in cages, set to be sold. OceansWatch, an NGO based out of the Islands, rescued the doves and appealed for help on social media. BirdLife International reached out to Jurong Bird Park and together, we provided emergency medical and husbandry aid.  Our swift response and expertise resulted in 100% survival rate for the rescued doves – a feat considering the majority of animals rescued from the illegal wildlife trade succumb to stress and dehydration, despite the best efforts of their rescuers.