Rare Great Hornbill Sighting Rekindles Conservation Hopes

Why in the News?

A rare sighting of the Great Hornbill (Buceros bicornis), also known as the great Indian hornbill, great pied hornbill, or simply horn bill, Kerala’s State bird, was reported near Ezhimala, Kannur — far from its usual forest habitats. The event has reignited calls for biodiversity conservation in coastal ecosystems and local forested hill zones, highlighting the importance of protecting these hornbills and their habitats. This sighting of the Kerala state bird has sparked renewed interest in the conservation of hornbills and their role in maintaining ecological balance.

Unusual Sighting Near Ezhimala:

• A male Great Hornbill (Malamuzhakki Vezhambal) was spotted in Kakkampara, near Ezhimala, Kannur.
• Normally seen in deep forests like Silent Valley, Athirappilly, and Aralam, its appearance in a coastal belt is rare. These areas are part of the Western Ghats, a renowned biodiversity hotspot that supports various members of the hornbill family and numerous endemic species.
• The bird was seen for around two weeks, feeding on fruiting trees, including fig trees, and moving around nearby areas. This behavior is typical of hornbills, which are known to be frugivorous birds and play a crucial role in seed dispersal in tropical Asia. Researchers are keen to study the seasonal patterns of hornbill movements in these areas.

Ecological and Conservation Significance

• Experts view the sighting as a positive ecological indicator, signifying the area’s rich biodiversity despite human presence. This unexpected appearance in a non-typical habitat underscores the importance of preserving diverse forest types, including evergreen forests, deciduous forests, dry forests, lowland forests, moist forests, wet forests, and hill forests.
• Local official V. Shyma called it evidence of a biodiversity hotspot. This sighting emphasizes the need for comprehensive conservation strategies that encompass both primary forests and secondary forests, as well as national parks and reserved forests.
• Sneha Subhash, head of Forestry at Sir Syed College, emphasized the need for research on the species’ movement to coastal hills. This highlights the importance of studying hornbill distribution, seasonal movements, and home range to better understand their ecology and population trends. Such studies would contribute to a more accurate species distribution map for hornbills in the region.
• The bird’s presence underscores the ecological importance of fringe habitats. It also points to the potential of these areas as wildlife sanctuaries and the need for long-term monitoring of hornbill populations through methods such as field surveys, distance sampling, line transect surveys, and density estimation techniques.

Protected and Endangered Species

• The Great Hornbill is listed as Endangered by the IUCN and protected under Schedule I of India’s Wildlife Protection Act. This classification puts it in the same category as other threatened hornbills like the helmeted hornbill and rhinoceros hornbill.
• The incident has sparked renewed focus on wildlife conservation and protection of coastal biodiversity corridors in Kerala. It also highlights the need for conservation education and involvement of indigenous peoples and forest farmers in hornbill conservation efforts.
• Conservationists stress the importance of preserving hornbill nesting sites and feeding grounds. Initiatives such as providing artificial nests and nest boxes have shown promise in supporting hornbill breeding in some areas. These efforts are crucial for maintaining suitable nesting habitat for hornbills.
• Researchers are studying hornbill behavior, including courtship displays and breeding biology, to better understand their conservation status and develop effective protection strategies. Regular population assessment is essential for tracking hornbill abundance and implementing targeted conservation measures.

This rare sighting of the Great Hornbill, a flagship species, serves as a reminder of the rich biodiversity in Kerala and the broader regions of Southeast Asia, including countries like Indonesia, Thailand, Myanmar, Malaysia, and the islands of Borneo and Sumatra. It underscores the urgent need for robust conservation priorities to protect these magnificent birds and their habitats across their range.

As keystone species in their ecosystems, hornbills play a vital role in maintaining forest health. Their presence in unexpected areas like Ezhimala highlights the potential for ecotourism and birdwatching opportunities, which could contribute to local conservation efforts and raise awareness about the importance of preserving these charismatic birds and their habitats.

The sighting also draws attention to other hornbill species found in the region, such as the Indian grey hornbill, Malabar pied hornbill, Oriental pied hornbill, wreathed hornbill, bushy-crested hornbill, and black hornbill. Each of these species faces unique challenges related to habitat degradation, human disturbance, and changes in resource availability.

To ensure the long-term survival of hornbills, conservationists are focusing on:

1. Protecting hornbill nest cavities in mature trees
2. Studying hornbill density and abundance in different forest types
3. Monitoring hornbill encounter rates during surveys
4. Assessing fruit availability and its impact on hornbill feeding patterns
5. Evaluating habitat quality in forest fragments and protected areas

By addressing these factors and continuing to study hornbill ecology, researchers hope to develop more effective conservation strategies for these remarkable birds and the ecosystems they inhabit.