The Palau ground dove (Gallicolumba canifrons) is one of three Palau bird species that were virtually eliminated by damage caused to the Palau Islands (formerly a U.S. administered United Nations Trust Territory now under an independent constitutional government) during WWII [1]. Surveys conducted from 1976-1979 observed Palau ground doves on all major limestone islands from Koror to Angaur [2]. Although they were considered rare or uncommon on these islands, scientists thought this could be due to difficulty detecting Palau ground doves when they were present [2]. Because the Palau ground dove is not sought as a game species, and the constitution of Palau has banned the personal possession of firearms, hunting is not a threat to this species [1]. The USFWS removed the Palau ground dove along with the Palau fantail flycatcher, and the Palau owl from the endangered species list in 1985 [1].

[1] Noecker R.J. 1998. Congressional Research Service, Report for Congress: Endangered Species List Revisions: A Summary of Delisting and Downlisting. Made available by National Council for Science and the Environment. Washington D.C.
[2] Pratt H.D., J. Engbring, P.L. Bruner, and D.G. Berrett. 1980. 1976-1979 Notes on the taxonomy, natural history, and status of the resident birds of Palau. Condor 82(2): 117-131.