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RC 495

Para ordenar a la Comisión de Recursos Naturales de la Cámara de Representantes de Puerto Rico a realizar una investigación sobre la situación crítica de la paloma sabanera (Patagioenas inornata wetmorei), los factores que explican la posibilidad de su inminente extinción, las acciones que se están poniendo en práctica al presente para la protección de esta subespecie, y las recomendaciones de la comunidad científica para reiniciar un programa urgente de propagación en cautiverio, cuyo objetivo sea la recuperación de la subespecie dentro de un marco de tiempo razonable, así como otras medidas de política pública que eviten la extinción de esta ave endémica de Puerto Rico.

2025-2028 Session

Commission investigates Puerto Rican plain pigeon's extinction crisis and recommends urgent captive breeding and conservation policies to prevent endemic species loss.

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Bill Summary · RC 495

Legislative bill overview

Bill RC 495 directs Puerto Rico's House Natural Resources Commission to investigate the critical situation of the endangered Puerto Rican plain pigeon (Patagioenas inornata wetmorei), an endemic subspecies facing imminent extinction. The bill requests a comprehensive study of extinction risk factors, current protection efforts, scientific recommendations for captive breeding programs, and policy measures needed to prevent the species' disappearance.

Why is this important

The Puerto Rican plain pigeon represents irreplaceable biodiversity unique to Puerto Rico and its potential extinction would eliminate a species found nowhere else on Earth. A legislative investigation could establish the scientific foundation and political commitment necessary for implementing emergency conservation measures, including captive breeding programs that have succeeded in recovering other critically endangered bird species globally.

Potential points of contention

  • Resource allocation: Captive breeding and species recovery programs require sustained funding; legislators may debate budget priorities given competing public needs
  • Timeline feasibility: The bill references a "reasonable timeframe" for recovery, but exotic bird breeding programs typically require decades of commitment, raising questions about realistic expectations
  • Existing efforts evaluation: Determining whether current protections are genuinely insufficient or inadequately implemented could reveal institutional or coordination failures that some stakeholders prefer not to highlight

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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