Context: In a rare sighting, Great Hornbill was spotted in the coastal belt of Kannur, Kerala, far from its usual forested habitats. It is rarely seen in coastal areas; its unexpected presence is hailed as an ecological indicator and points to the broader ecological value of the region.
Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key facts about Great Hornbill.
About Great Hornbill
- The great Indian Hornbill is one of the larger members of the Hornbill family.
- Habitat: It occurs in the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia, typically found in the evergreen and moist deciduous forests.
- India is home to nine species of hornbills of which:
- Great Hornbill, Malabar Pied Hornbill, Malabar Grey Hornbill and Indian Grey Hornbill are found in the Western Ghats.
- Great Hornbill, Rufous-necked Hornbill, Wreathed Hornbill, Oriental Pied Hornbill, and White-throated Brown Hornbill are found in North East India.
- Narcondam Hornbill (rare and endemic: IUCN- Endangered) is found only on Narcondam Island in Andaman Sea.
- Hornbills have also been sighted in Northern Himalayas (Uttarakhand).
Physical Characteristics and Behaviour:
- It is predominantly frugivorous (feeds on fruit) but also preys on small mammals, reptiles and birds.
- The most prominent feature of the hornbill is the bright yellow and black casque (helemet) on top of its massive bill.
- Large bird- 95-130 cm long and weighs nearly 2-4 kg.
- Females are smaller than males and have bluish-white instead of red eyes.
- Hornbills are secondary-cavity nesters, i.e., they nest in tree cavities made by other birds. They tend to use the same nest year after year.
Threats:
- Habitat loss due to deforestation.
- Hunted for its meat, fat and body parts like- casque and tail feathers (used as adornments). Beaks and heads are used in charms, and the flesh is believed to be medicinal.
Conservation Status:
- IUCN Status: Vulnerable
- Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972: Schedule I
- CITES: Appendix-I