This inconspicuous dove inhabits tropical and subtropical forests, mainly at 500-1,800 m (with recent records at 80-200 m in Guayas^1,9), but also to sea-level and occasionally 2,625 m. It occurs in dry deciduous, wet lower montane, semi-deciduous cloud-forest, humid cloud-forest, evergreen moist forest and, prior to their destruction, moist forests of the río Guayas basin and Cordillera de Colonche. It is also found in heavily degraded forest, scrub and hedges, but it is unknown whether such habitats support viable populations. Generally solitary or in pairs⁵, but sometimes in groups of 3-7⁶, it favours areas with a dense understorey of small trees and woody vines¹. Inter-habitat, seasonal movements are apparently undertaken. Its ecology is virtually unknown.

Red List Category

Red List Criteria

Version

2008

BirdLife International

Butchart, S. & Symes, A.

Flanagan, J. & Horstman, E.

This species has a small and severely fragmented range and population, both of which are suffering from rapid rates of deforestation. It therefore qualifies as Vulnerable.

Population estimate = 1.8-2.4 individuals/km2 x 1,300 km2 (20% EOO) = 2,340-3,120 individuals, but probably best placed in band 2,500-10,000 (density range lowest to lower quartile of five estimates for two species of forest congeners in the BirdLife Population Density Spreadsheet)

Decreasing

Below 900 m, the rate of deforestation in west Ecuador, in 1958-1988, was 57% per decade, although in higher parts of the species's range, with a steeper terrain and harsher climate, the process has been slower, and a greater proportion of forest is extant². Habitat loss is continuing, and will soon remove almost all remaining forest. All pigeon species are hunted, but L. ochraceiventris is not specifically targeted⁴.

Conservation Actions Underway
It occurs in several protected areas, including Tumbes Reserved Zone (which protects a large area and range of forest-types and presumably supports a viable population)², Laquipampa Reserved Zone⁸, Machalilla National Park (Guayas/Manabí), Manglares-Churute Ecological Reserve and Cerro Blanco Protection Forest (Guayas)^5,7,9. The 776 km² partially forested Chongón-Colonche Protection Forest is the nucleus of a reforestation project³ and may support the species. A communal reserve is being established at Quebrada Limon¹⁰.

Conservation Actions Proposed
Assess seasonal reliance on particular forest-types. Control threats to habitat within protected areas. Expand protected areas to include adjacent forest remnants and connect such fragments. Map forest in the Cordillera Chongón-Colonche to identify sites for protection³. Assess impact of hunting.