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Source: TH
Context:
Tamil Nadu forest authorities are planning an extensive survey to determine hornbill populations across forest landscapes, beginning late December 2025 and continuing till March/April 2026.
Hornbill
A hornbill is a large, striking bird found mainly in tropical and subtropical forests of Asia and Africa, known for its long curved bill and the distinctive casque (helmet-like structure) on top.
Ecological Importance
Hornbills are called “farmers of the forest” because they disperse seeds over large areas, helping forests regenerate.
IUCN Status of Hornbills (Major Species)
Hornbills as a group fall under different IUCN categories depending on the species. Below are the important hornbill species (India & Asia focused) with their current IUCN Red List status:
| Hornbill Species | IUCN Status |
|---|---|
| Great Hornbill | Vulnerable (VU) |
| Indian Grey Hornbill | Least Concern (LC) |
| Malabar Pied Hornbill | Near Threatened (NT) |
| Rhinoceros Hornbill | Vulnerable (VU) |
| Oriental Pied Hornbill | Least Concern (LC) |
| Narcondam Hornbill | Endangered (EN) |
Why Some Hornbills Are Threatened
- Habitat loss (deforestation)
- Felling of old nesting trees
- Hunting and illegal trade
