About Hornbills
Importance
Known as “farmers of the forest,” hornbills are crucial to the health of the forests they inhabit. These migratory birds disperse seeds, promoting plant growth and biodiversity. 10 of the 13 hornbill species in Thailand are classified as vulnerable or endangered. As a result, the urgency for effective conservation measures has never been greater.
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Critically Endangered: Helmeted hornbill, Black hornbill, Wrinkled hornbill
Endangered: Rufous-necked hornbill, Plain-pouched hornbill, Rhinoceros hornbill, White-crowned hornbill
Vulnerable: Tickell’s brown hornbill, Austeb’s brown hornbill, Bushey-crested hornbill
Near threatened: Great hornbill, Wreathed hornbill, Oriental hornbill
Image of seeds dispersed by hornbills under their nest.
Image of plants under the hornbills' nest that grew from the seeds previous hornbills dispersed.
Image of the Oriental Pied Hornbill at Koh Yao Noi.
The Problem
Many hornbill species in Thailand face endangerment due to habitat loss caused by deforestation, illegal logging, and poaching. Unlike other birds, hornbills cannot build their nests. They depend on natural tree cavities of an appropriate size for nesting, which have become increasingly scarce. Consequently, hornbill populations are declining.