Besides deforestation, hunting pressure is also one of the reasons for this species’ rapid decline over the years. As a consequence of many forests vanishing due to intense human activities, the hornbill population has been dramatically declining as these species are extremely dependent on these large forested areas. Today, with current issues of deforestation that are still ongoing, hornbill’s survival is in peril. This is not possible by the other seed dispersal agents especially terrestrial animal, due to the landscape restrictions or man-made barrier that had been and keep impeding these animal movement. Without a doubt, hornbills are important seed dispersal agent with crucial ability to commute over long distances, effectively disperse and ensuring the seeds reproduction. Sadly not all realize the importance of this bird’s presence in the tropical forest that they inhabit, what role they play, and how to happen it vanish.įondly referred to as ‘farmers of the forest”, hornbills play an important role in dispersing seeds in the tropical forest and ensuring the survival and regeneration of the ecosystem of the forest. Often time whenever people see this bird, it always keeps them feel amazed and mesmerized by the bird’s conspicuous description. Hornbills are truly one of the most iconic creatures that represent the pristine tropical rainforest of Asia. Majestic in nature and an absolute head-turner for its flamboyant casque adorned with striking coloration. One of Asia’s most attractive species of birds. “Large and clumsy birds, seldom adorned with bright-coloured plumage, but in many cases bearing a really prodigious bill.” – Sir Alfred Russell Wallace As their care team, our job is to monitor these animals closely for any signs of things out of the ordinary.Up close and personal with the Majestic Avian. Traumatic injuries, infections, and even cancers have all been described in the casques of both wild hornbill species and hornbill species in human care. Hypotheses range from use as an ornamental structure (for example, attracting a mate), reinforcement of the beak for high impact pecking behaviors, or use as a resonance chamber to help vocalizations carry farther.ĭespite the beauty and impressiveness of the casque, problems can arise from this structure. In other species, the purpose is less clear. So, what is the purpose of those impressive casques? The answer is that nobody knows for certain! In some species like the helmeted hornbill, the casque is thought to be used in combat, as these birds often engage in a behavior called aerial jousting. In rhinoceros hornbills, the casque is immense and extends nearly as far forward as the upper beak but is almost entirely hollow on the inside! Helmeted hornbills have casques that are almost completely solid and resemble ivory in texture. The casques of ground hornbills are small and poorly developed compared to other hornbills. The “horns,” or casques, of hornbills are actually extensions of the upper beak and are just as diverse as hornbill species themselves. Regardless of what they eat, all hornbills have poorly developed tongues, so rely on a feeding mechanism called “ballistic transport,” in which food is tossed from the tip of the beak into the back of the throat. While many Asian species subsist on a diet of fruits and insects, the African species (the ground hornbills) spend most of their time walking on the ground and are strictly carnivores. The hornbill family contains a diverse number of species, three of which are housed here at Zoo Atlanta. While these long-beaked animals might superficially resemble toucans, the hornbill family (Bucerotidae) is not closely related to the toucan family at all! Hornbills are a fascinating group of birds.
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