Grenada is intensifying efforts to protect its national bird, the Grenada Dove (Leptotila wellsi), one of the rarest bird species globally and endemic to the island. With fewer than 200 individuals remaining, the dove clings to survival in two small, fragmented dry forest areas on Grenada’s southwest and west coasts. These habitats are under severe threat from commercial development, unregulated dumping, invasive predators, and habitat encroachment.
In a significant move, over 50 experts convened at St George’s University on October 8–9 for the Grenada Dove Conservation Action Plan (CAP) Stakeholder Workshop. Organized by the Gaea Conservation Network and supported by the American Bird Conservancy and BirdsCaribbean, the workshop aimed to address the dire challenges facing the species. Participants included representatives from government agencies, NGOs, academic institutions, and community organizations.
Lisa Sorenson, Executive Director of BirdsCaribbean, emphasized the dove’s cultural and ecological significance, stating, ‘The Grenada Dove is more than a rare bird — it’s a national treasure and a symbol of pride. Protecting it means defending the island’s dry forests, one of the most threatened ecosystems in the Caribbean.’
The workshop highlighted the urgent need for habitat restoration, strengthened legal protections, predator control, and community engagement. A draft Conservation Action Plan was developed, focusing on expanding protected areas, halting destructive activities, and fostering public and political support. Jody Daniel, President of Gaea Conservation Network, stressed the importance of collective action: ‘Saving the Grenada Dove will take everyone — scientists, government, communities, and the tourism sector.’
The Grenada Dove, classified as Critically Endangered by the IUCN Red List, faces multiple threats, including predation by mongooses, habitat degradation, and weak enforcement of existing protections. The species’ survival hinges on decisive, coordinated efforts to safeguard its remaining habitats and address systemic challenges.
Justin Springer of Re:wild underscored the broader implications of the conservation efforts: ‘Protecting the Grenada Dove means protecting the heart of the island’s biodiversity. It’s a powerful reminder that when local people lead conservation, species have a real chance to recover.’
The workshop outcomes will be refined into a comprehensive Conservation Action Plan, guiding recovery efforts over the next decade. The initiative represents a critical step toward securing the future of this iconic species and the unique ecosystems it inhabits.