1. Short Description of the bird (include scientific name, IUCN assessment, physical features)
The Grenada dove, (Leptoltila wellsi) is endemic to Grenada only. According to Oxford Dictinary (2018), define endemism as “the degree which the plants and animal of a particular area are both native and restricted to it”. The ICUN assessment shows, Leptoltila wellsi is critically endangered on the red list. Although its population is small scale it detrimentally decline due to hurricanes, residential housing, road, clearing land for tourism. This stout bird that is thirty-one centimeters or twelve inches long has distinguishing features compared to other doves on the island. These physical features are a peculiar white-greyish crown and forehead, chest and neck are a light pinkish-brown and red covers around the eyes, legs and feet. Furthermore, …show more content…
Oultine the major threats faced by the Grenada Dove:
(a) Predators
Black and Brown rats (Rattus spp.), Indian mongoose (Herpestes auropunctatus), Opossum (Sidelphis marsupialis insularis), feral cats are major predators to the Grenada Dove. They prey on both juvenile, adults as well as the nests. The has no natural defenses, especially when in danger.
(b) Human Impacts
The building of roads, housing, bridges and other resources for mankind has afftected the habitiat of birds. These birds are shy and any noise heard within their habitat they tend to flee.
(c) Weather and Climate Change
Hurricanes is number one threat to the Grenada Dove, after Hurricane Ivan the calling of male doves were less during breeding season. As, a result less birds were produced. Some scientist argued that due to limited resources accessible it would have triggered a reduction in breeding season. Nevertheless, fires also play a critical role in destroying their habitat and making them prone to predators.
1. Oultine and evaluate the conservation actions that is done to protect the Grenada Dove (include recommendations): Overview on the Grenada
The Grenada dove, (Leptoltila wellsi) is endemic to Grenada only. According to Oxford Dictinary (2018), define endemism as “the degree which the plants and animal of a particular area are both native and restricted to it”. The ICUN assessment shows, Leptoltila wellsi is critically endangered on the red list. Although its population is small scale it detrimentally decline due to hurricanes, residential housing, road, clearing land for tourism. This stout bird that is thirty-one centimeters or twelve inches long has distinguishing features compared to other doves on the island. These physical features are a peculiar white-greyish crown and forehead, chest and neck are a light pinkish-brown and red covers around the eyes, legs and feet. Furthermore, …show more content…
Oultine the major threats faced by the Grenada Dove:
(a) Predators
Black and Brown rats (Rattus spp.), Indian mongoose (Herpestes auropunctatus), Opossum (Sidelphis marsupialis insularis), feral cats are major predators to the Grenada Dove. They prey on both juvenile, adults as well as the nests. The has no natural defenses, especially when in danger.
(b) Human Impacts
The building of roads, housing, bridges and other resources for mankind has afftected the habitiat of birds. These birds are shy and any noise heard within their habitat they tend to flee.
(c) Weather and Climate Change
Hurricanes is number one threat to the Grenada Dove, after Hurricane Ivan the calling of male doves were less during breeding season. As, a result less birds were produced. Some scientist argued that due to limited resources accessible it would have triggered a reduction in breeding season. Nevertheless, fires also play a critical role in destroying their habitat and making them prone to predators.
1. Oultine and evaluate the conservation actions that is done to protect the Grenada Dove (include recommendations): Overview on the Grenada