NEWS – Female hornbills, particularly the great Indian hornbill, are abandoning their nesting sites in the Western Ghats region. This behavior is termed “worrying” by scientists due to its potential impact on the reproduction cycle of these critically endangered birds

HIGHLIGHTS

• Nesting Cycle Disruption
  • The nesting period for great Indian hornbills typically spans four months, starting in December.
  • Hornbills, known for pairing for life and using the same nest year after year, usually raise only one chick per year.
• Ecological Impact
  • Hornbills are vital for forest ecology as they disperse thousands of seeds daily, aiding in forest regeneration.
  • Any disruption in their reproduction cycle could have long-term ecological consequences.
• Theories on Abandonment Reasons
  • Researchers propose several theories for this behavior, including a lack of fruit resources, high temperatures, and micro-climate impacts due to climate change.
  • The exact reasons behind the abandonment remain unclear, requiring further investigation.
• Observations Across Multiple States
  • This phenomenon has been observed in five Western Ghats states, including Karnataka, indicating a widespread issue.
  • Citizen scientists and wildlife officials report similar observations of hornbills abandoning nesting sites.
• Possible Impact of Environmental Changes
  • Environmental changes, such as drought affecting fruit production, could be contributing factors.
  • Hornbills are sensitive to environmental conditions, potentially postponing reproduction in unfavorable circumstances.
• Concerns and Need for Monitoring
  • Scientists express concern over the need for long-term monitoring to understand the reasons behind this behavior definitively.
  • Changing climate patterns and their impact on fruit availability are cited as potential factors affecting hornbill nesting.
• Call for Collaboration and Research
  • Collaboration between researchers, citizen scientists, and conservation organizations is essential for comprehensive studies and conservation efforts.
  • Understanding the intricacies of hornbill behavior and addressing environmental challenges is crucial for their conservation and ecosystem health

GREAT INDIAN HORNBILL  

• Habitat and Distribution
  • Found in India’s northeastern region, Bhutan, Nepal, Southeast Asia, and Sumatra.
  • Thrives in damp, dense, unlogged forests, especially in steep areas.
  • Minor wild population in Singapore.
• Official State Bird and Social Behavior
  • Official state bird of Kerala and Arunachal Pradesh in India.
  • Social birds living in small communities, occasionally gathering in larger groups near fruit trees.
• Diet and Feeding Habits
  • Mostly herbivores, feeding on raw fruits and shoots.
  • Also consumes insects, small reptiles, birds, and mammals occasionally.
• Threats and Conservation Status
  • Threatened by habitat loss and hunting.
  • Listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.
  • Included in CITES Appendix I for strict trade regulations.
• Physical Characteristics
  • Scientific name: Buceros bicornis.
  • Length: 95-130 cm.
  • Weight: 2-4 kg.
  • Distinctive U-shaped casque with two ridges along the sides.
• Lifespan and Conservation Efforts
  • Lifespan ranges from 30-50 years.
  • Conservation efforts needed to protect habitat and mitigate hunting threats for long-term survival.