By Dolly Yasa
BACOLOD CITY – A Singaporean wildlife group turned over ten Negros bleeding-heart pigeons to the Negros Forest Park through Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson on Thursday.
The Negros bleeding-heart pigeons, a critically endangered species endemic to Negros and Panay, were handed over by the Mandai Wildlife Group (MWG) of Singapore to the Talarak Foundation – Negros Forest Park in Bacolod City.
The turnover marked the first repatriation of this species, according to a statement from the Negros Occidental Provincial Government on its official social media page.
The initiative is part of ongoing conservation efforts to recover wild populations and ensure the long-term survival of the species.
The repatriation effort was spearheaded by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, in collaboration with Talarak Foundation, Inc., and MWG.
In September 2021, three breeding pairs of Negros bleeding-heart pigeons were entrusted to MWG, then operating as the Jurong Bird Park in Singapore, for a pioneering captive breeding program.
This initiative by the provincial government represented a major step toward preserving the species.
After three years of conservation efforts, MWG returned ten birds to Negros Occidental, marking the first-ever repatriation of the Negros bleeding-heart pigeon to its native habitat.
Governor Lacson emphasized the significance of this milestone, highlighting the commitment, collaboration, and hope it symbolizes for the preservation of Negros Occidental’s critically endangered wildlife.
He expressed gratitude to MWG, the Singaporean government, and the Talarak Foundation for their vital support in ensuring the future of the species.
Lacson also underscored that the survival of the Negros bleeding-heart pigeon requires not only captive breeding programs but also a collective commitment to reforestation, conservation education, and community engagement.
The turnover ceremony was attended by notable figures, including Her Excellency Constance See, Ambassador of the Republic of Singapore to the Philippines; MWG Chief of Life Sciences Dr. Cheng Wen-Haur; PENRO Negros Occidental Head Engr. Joan Nathaniel Gerangaya; Talarak Foundation, Inc. President Fernando Gutierrez; and TFI Executive Director Matthew Edward.
