Saved from the Brink: How the Stunning Pink Pigeon Was Rescued from Extinction
Native to Mauritius, the beautiful Pink Pigeon dwindled to just 10 birds in 1991 due to habitat loss and predators. Thanks to intensive captive breeding and conservation programs, this species was saved from extinction, with its wild population now numbering over 500.

When you think of a pigeon, you might picture the grey, iridescent birds common in cities worldwide. But on the island of Mauritius, a far more delicate and beautiful relative exists: the Pink Pigeon (Nesoenas mayeri). With its soft pink body, rust-colored tail, and striking red eye-ring, this bird is a world away from its urban cousins. It's also a living testament to one of modern conservation's most remarkable success stories—a story of a species pulled back from the very edge of oblivion.
A Brush with Extinction
Mauritius is infamous in the annals of extinction as the home of the Dodo. For a time, it seemed the Pink Pigeon was destined to follow the same tragic path. By the 20th century, the bird faced a perfect storm of threats. Centuries of deforestation for sugar cane plantations and other agriculture had decimated its native evergreen forest habitat, drastically reducing its food sources and shelter. Worse still, non-native predators introduced to the island—including cats, mongooses, and crab-eating macaques—preyed on eggs, chicks, and adult birds alike. The pigeons, having evolved without such threats, were defenseless.
The population plummeted. By 1991, the situation was dire: only 10 Pink Pigeons were known to exist in the wild. The species was critically endangered, and its extinction seemed not just possible, but imminent.
The Race Against Time: A Conservation Triumph
Just as hope seemed lost, a coalition of conservationists, led by the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation (MWF) and the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust (founded by famed naturalist Gerald Durrell), launched an ambitious rescue mission. They refused to let another unique Mauritian bird vanish forever.
The strategy was multifaceted and intensive:
- Captive Breeding: Birds were taken into care to establish a secure breeding population away from threats. The Jersey Zoo, founded by Durrell, became a critical ark for the species. This program was so successful that it created a genetic reservoir of healthy birds ready for reintroduction.
- Reintroduction and Support: Captive-bred pigeons were carefully released back into protected areas of Mauritius, such as the Black River Gorges National Park. To help them adapt, conservationists established feeding stations with supplementary food, ensuring the new populations had the resources to thrive.
- Predator Control and Habitat Management: Alongside reintroduction, intensive efforts were made to control invasive predator populations within the pigeons' habitat. Work also began on restoring the native forests to provide a sustainable, long-term home for the birds.
A Rosy Future?
The results of this tireless work have been nothing short of spectacular. From a terrifying low of just 10 individuals, the wild population of the Pink Pigeon has rebounded to over 500 birds. The species' status has been downgraded from Critically Endangered to Vulnerable—a huge victory in the conservation world. The Pink Pigeon is now a symbol of hope, proving that with dedication, science, and international cooperation, we can reverse the tide of extinction.
However, the work is not over. The species still relies heavily on ongoing management, including supplementary feeding and predator control. The Pink Pigeon's story is not just a tale of past success; it's a powerful reminder of the constant vigilance required to protect our planet's most vulnerable inhabitants.