Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: TH
Context: A two-decade-long community-based conservation initiative in the Vazhachal Forest division of the Western Ghats (Kerala) has successfully restored the dwindling hornbill population, specifically the Malabar Pied Hornbill, to a viable level.
About the programme:
- Communities involved: Kadar tribal community
- Agencies involved: Western Ghats Hornbill Foundation and the Kerala Forest Department
- The method used: Monitoring hornbill nesting trees, addressing poaching issues, raising awareness about hornbills and protecting their habitat.
- Impact: The efforts resulted in the re-establishment of abandoned nests and the formation of new nesting hollows. The Malabar Pied hornbill population in the area grew to around 100 individuals with 12 nesting sites.
About Hornbills:
Hornbills are birds found in tropical and subtropical regions of Africa and Asia. In India, there are nine species of hornbills, with the northeastern region being home to the highest diversity of these birds. The hornbill holds cultural significance for certain ethnic communities in the northeast, particularly the Nyishi of Arunachal Pradesh. The Nagas celebrate the Hornbill festival, named after this revered and admired bird. Hornbills are also called “gardeners or farmers of the forest”.
About the 9 species of Hornbill:
| Hornbill Species | Habitat | IUCN Red List |
Great Hornbill |
Western Ghats, Northeast and Himalayas | Vulnerable |
Rufous-necked Hornbill  |
North-East India | Vulnerable |
Wreathed Hornbill |
North-East India | Vulnerable |
Narcondam Hornbill |
Narcondam in Andamans | Vulnerable |
Malabar Pied Hornbill |
Evergreen and moist deciduous forests in India, Western Ghats | Near Threatened |
Oriental Pied Hornbill |
Subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests, Northeast India | Least Concern |
Austen’s Brown Hornbill |
Forests of North East India | Near Threatened |
Malabar Grey Hornbill |
Western Ghats | Vulnerable |
| Indian Grey Hornbill
|
Foothills of Southern Himalayas | Least Concern |
