It occurs in primary forest from sea-level to 1,600 m, likely having a preference for coastal forests, also occurring in forest edge, along forest roads and sometimes visiting clearings where native trees remain (Beichle 1987, Blockstein 1987, U. Beichle in litt. 2000). It is specialised to feed on the seeds of Dysoxylum spp. (using its unusual bill to saw through the tough, fibrous pericarp), also feeding on other fleshy fruit (Beichle 1987). Juvenile bills are unsuitable to open seeds, and it is plausible that juveniles feed disproportionately on the ground until their bills develop (Collar 2015). Local hunters report that the species' preferred fruiting trees are the Ma’ali and Maota out of more than 20 species of fruiting trees used as food, and that the species sometimes feeds on the ground (Serra et al. 2016). Nests have been reported (none since 1987) 5-25 m up in dense foliage, often associated with banyan (Ficus sp.) trees and epiphytes (Beichle 1982, 1987; Collar 2015).

The species is endemic to Samoa, where it occurs on both main islands, Upolu and Savai'i.

Conservation Actions Underway
It is fully protected by law and hunting is banned, although this has not been well enforced. It occurs in some proposed and a few existing protected areas, but these have suffered cyclone damage. A species recovery plan for 2006-2016 was published by the Samoan Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, and components of the plan have been implemented with the Samoan Conservation Society, a local NGO formed in 2015; however, large portions of the plan were not implemented (Serra 2017). A recovery plan for 2020-2029 was published in 2020 (MNRE and SCS 2020). An extensive survey using sound recorders was conducted across Samoa, alongside research into the species' habitat preferences and breeding biology (Darwin Initiative 2017a). Interviews have been carried out with hunters to assess the species' distribution and levels of hunting (Serra et al. 2017, Darwin Initiative 2017a, Stirnemann et al. 2018). A trial to control invasive predators at a secondary forest site of 65 ha in Malololelei is ongoing (MNRE and SCS 2020). A number of awareness and education campaigns have been carried out (MNRE and SCS 2020). Extensive surveys have been carried out to find the species in recent years, however the outcome of most of these has been inconclusive (MNRE and SCS 2020, M. O'Brien in litt. 2024).

Conservation Actions Proposed
Carry out further research on distribution, populations, life-history, habitat requirements and threats, including a long-term monitoring program and a detailed study of rat and cat infestation levels and optimal control measures (Collar 2015). Determine the extent to which conservation actions benefit the species' recovery (MNRE and SCS 2020). Further research methods of identifying the species' call, and particularly how to distinguish it from the similar call of the much more common Pacific Imperial-pigeon Ducula pacifica, to enable effective population detection and monitoring (M. O'Brien pers. comm. 2019). Promote protection and restoration of Manumea Key Rainforest Areas (forests where there have been relatively recent records of the species) (MNRE and SCS 2020). Reforest degraded areas to increase resilience to cyclones and allow recolonisation by the species (Collar 2015). Manage key forest areas where the species survives, in particular the targeted removal of cats, rats and pigs (Collar 2015, M. O'Brien in litt. 2024). Encourage crop plantations on previously used seaward land rather than expanding landward (Collar 2015). Conduct further awareness and education campaigns (MNRE and SCS 2020). Carry out public education on the value of forests, produce a field guide to promote knowledge of birds and increase governmental encouragement of the study and conservation of wildlife by Samoans (Collar 2015). Reliable hunters should be supported by an awareness and capacity building programme in order to raise their status within their villages as the guardians of their ancestral forests and local champions of the species' conservation (Serra et al. 2017). Outlaw the cutting of Dysoxylum, control ammunition and regulate hunting of all pigeons to avoid mistaken killing (Collar 2015, Stirnemann et al. 2018). Enforce hunting bans in Community Conservation Areas (M. O'Brien pers. comm. 2019).