MANILA, Philippines – The Singapore Embassy in the Philippines joined in the celebration of the repatriation of the critically endangered Negros Bleeding-Heart Pigeons back to their native home.
In a Facebook post, the Embassy shared the good news, calling it a “historic milestone”.
Among the rarest species of birds in the world, the Negros Bleeding-Heart Pigeon is endemic to the Philippines and found in Negros and Panay islands. The birds are characterised by a vivid red patch on the breast plumage, the Singapore Embassy said.
In 2021, three pairs of the birds were entrusted to Singapore for conservation breeding under the care of the Mandai Wildlife Group, as part of a recovery programme to restore wild populations, the post read.
“Today we are proud to successfully repatriate 10 of the 20 progenies to the Philippines, marking a significant step forward in saving this iconic species,” the Singapore Embassy stated.
The Embassy expressed its appreciation as well to its partners for making the program a success.
“This achievement was made possible through the incredible partnership of the Talarak Foundation, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and Singapore’s Mandai Wildlife Reserve. We also thank Governor Eugenio Bong Lacson and the Provincial Government of Negros Occidental for their support,” the Singapore Embassy shared.
(Photo courtesy of Singapore Embassy Manila)
Singapore is the only country in the world entrusted with not just the Philippine Eagle, but also the Negros Bleeding-Heart Pigeon.
This speaks volumes of the mutual trust and confidence between our two nations, and our shared commitment to protect and preserve wildlife, the Singapore Embassy said.
“Biodiversity is life—it sustains our planet and inspires hope. Thank you for entrusting these precious birds to Singapore. Let’s work together for a future where nature, people, and the planet can thrive in harmony,” the Singapore of Embassy added.
