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IUCN SSC Pigeon and Dove Specialist Group
IUCN COMMISSION GROUP

IUCN SSC Pigeon and Dove Specialist Group

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Group leadership

Mr Joe WOOD
Co-Chair
Joe Wood is an accomplished Conservation Biologist and Zoo professional, with a proven track record of leading teams and translating theory into meaningful action. He has particular expertise in applying a systems-thinking approach to the management of threatened species, and graduated with Distinction from the University of Cambridge MPhil in Conservation Leadership. Joe is currently employed by Toledo Zoo in Ohio, and is responsible for managing the Zoo’s involvement in a worldwide portfolio of conservation initiatives. Prior to this he worked as a Zookeeper in various collections in the UK.
Joe Wood is an accomplished Conservation Biologist and Zoo professional, with a proven track record of leading teams and translating theory into meaningful action. He has particular expertise in ...
Mr Charles CERBINI
Co-Chair

More about the Specialist Group

PDSG is hosted by Toledo Zoo in Ohio, US. Key activities of the Specialist Group include collaborating with Birdlife International to assess and monitor the status Columbiform species, working to raise the profile of threatened pigeons and doves, and convening expertise for conservation. This also entails facilitating communication between organisations involved in ex-situ and in-situ species programmes and between the scientific community and the holders of ...

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More about the Specialist Group

PDSG is hosted by Toledo Zoo in Ohio, US. Key activities of the Specialist Group include collaborating with Birdlife International to assess and monitor the status Columbiform species, working to raise the profile of threatened pigeons and doves, and convening expertise for conservation. This also entails facilitating communication between organisations involved in ex-situ and in-situ species programmes and between the scientific community and the holders of traditional ecological knowledge. 

We believe that this group has the potential to become a driving force for the conservation of Columbiformes worldwide, and are committed to growing a diverse network of people who will help us achieve this. 

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MISSION
 
We aim to play an active role in the drafting of action plans for priority species and to catalyse the implementation of these plans by assisting with the sourcing of funding.

Specialist Group work

PDSG aims to increase knowledge, convene expertise and catalyze evidence-based action to conserve pigeons and doves and their habitats. 

Tackling threats to pigeons and doves

PDSG studies known and emerging threats to Columbiform populations and works to identify solutions. 

Pigeons and doves on the IUCN Red List

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PDSG works with Birdlife International to assess Columbiform species using IUCN Red List criteria. 

Annual Report

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Learn about PDSG’s work and results in 2024 and 2025.

PDSG Annual Report 2024-2025

Previous reports:
PDSG Annual Report 2023
PDSG Annual Report 2022
PDSG Annual Report 2021

Position Statement

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on the value of ex situ populations in conserving threatened Columbiformes and recommendations on enhanced use of CITES to address unsustainable trade

Rescued Silvery Pigeon (Columba argentina) in the Nias Heritage Museum 2017. Photo by Simon Bruslund

Photo: Simon Bruslund

Blue-eyed Ground-dove (Columbina cyanopis) in Brazil. Photo by Simon Bruslund

Photo: Simon Bruslund

Sata Cruz ground dove (Alopecoenas sanctaecrucis). Photo by Joe Wood
 

Photo: Joe Wood

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