News
In the Lower Black River Gorgers (the Black River entrance to the Black River Gorges National Park) there is a reintroduced population of the Pink Pigeon (Nesoenas mayeri). In recent weeks, members of our Pink Pigeon project field team had been trying to catch an injured Pink Pigeon there, since it had nylon line tangled around its right foot, preventing it from walking normally and injuring its foot. The nylon was likely the result of improper disposal of litter by a park visitor. This reinforces the need to carefully dispose of all litter to avoid such incidents from occurring.
Members of the public had also noticed this Pink Pigeon and had sent us several photos and videos. We are grateful for the interest in this bird species and happy to see that so many people concerned about this pigeon’s wellbeing.
Attempts to catch the bird were made by our field team on several occasions, but unfortunately the bird had developed a preference for food scraps and leftovers being provided by visitors to the National Park rather than visit the feeders where we provide suitable supplementary food. This made the capture even more challenging.
On 29th August, after several attempts, the bird was finally caught. The nylon line had become tightly woven around the right foot and grown into the flesh of the toes, causing constriction of vessels. The nylon was carefully removed by MWF staff, and the wounds were disinfected. Two toes had been injured on the right foot, but otherwise the bird was in good condition and was released.
This individual has been seen at the site on several occasions since then and seems to be recovering as it has started putting weight on the right foot again. We trust that now that the nylon line has been removed, the toes will heal, and the pigeon will be able to walk normally again. Members of the public visiting the area can expect to encounter this Pink Pigeon and will see that it will be limping on the right foot; this limp should reduce over time.
