CONSERVATION GENETICS OF THE ENDEMIC PIGEONS OF SÃO TOMÉ AND PRÍNCIPE

STUDENT SEMINAR

São Tomé and Príncipe are known for their astonishing levels of bird endemism. Among the endemic birds there are three forest pigeon species: the São Tomé olive pigeon, Columba thomensis, the São Tomé bronze-naped pigeon, Columba malherbii, and the São Tomé green pigeon, Treron sanctithomae (São Tomé). These species suffer heavily from hunting pressures. Of particular concern is the fact that they are among the most hunted species of São Tomé.
This study had two main objectives. First, to clarify the evolutionary history of the pigeons of the Gulf of Guinea islands, and in particular of the endemic species affected by hunting. Secondly, to assess the population dynamics of the endemic pigeons and to estimate demographic parameters relevant to understanding the conservation status of the populations.

Hugo is currently enrolled in the Master’s Course in Biodiversity, Genetics and Evolution at the Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, under the supervision of Dr. Martim Melo [POPGEN Group].

Image credits: Nik Borrow