13-Aug-2020: Forest loss threatens hornbills

A study based on satellite data has flagged a high rate of deforestation in a major hornbill habitat in Arunachal Pradesh.

Using fine-scale satellite imagery, changes in forest cover of Papum Reserve Forest (RF) adjoining the Pakke Tiger Reserve as well as a part of Assam affected by illegal felling and ethnic conflict was assessed. Papum RF is a nesting habitat of three species of the large, colourful fruit-eating hornbills:

• Great Hornbill
• Wreathed Hornbill
• Oriental Pied Hornbill

Results show the loss and degradation of critical hornbill habitat in the biologically rich forests of the Indian Eastern Himalaya. The data pointed to alarming deforestation rates in Papum RF with the forest cover having declined to 76% of the total RF area. The ecologists assessed the habitat loss due to illegal logging. Illegal logging, has led to fewer tall trees where the birds nest. Also, forests are often under pressure due to agricultural expansion, conversion to plantations. According to the Global Forest Watch 2020 report, the State lost 1,110 sq.km. of primary forest from 2002-2019.

Hornbills used to be hunted for their casques – upper beak and feathers for headgear despite being cultural symbols of some ethnic communities in the northeast, specifically the Nyishi of Arunachal Pradesh. A 20-year-old conservation programme entailing the use of fibre-glass beaks reduced the threat to the birds to a large extent.