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Great Hornbill is vulnerable attractive bird known as ‘Farmer of Forest’ due to its unique role in distribution of seeds and growing forests. The project aims to complete detailed survey to document the distribution, baseline data on the habitats and food habit of Great Hornbill in Sangamewshwar Tehsil and prepare a status report, which can be a very useful document for conservation and management strategies for state and central governmental agencies for needful action or further specialized researches.
• Reduction of threats to hornbill nests • Increased knowledge of breeding biology
• Increased nesting success of three threatened hornbill species • Increased population size of hornbills
• Restoration of hornbill habitat • Increased food availability
• Youth& students will be the local champions for hornbill conservation • Greater sensitization and involvement of local community members
The Hornbill Conservation and Habitat Restoration Project is a major initiative focused on safeguarding the hornbill population in Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg districts of the Western Ghats. This project aims to protect hornbills by reducing nesting threats, supporting breeding, restoring their natural habitat, and engaging the local community for conservation. Here are the key components of our project:
To better understand the behaviour and challenges faced by hornbills, the society have installed CCTV cameras at various nest sites without disturbing them. These cameras help us closely monitor hornbill nests and gain valuable insights into their breeding biology, such as nesting cycles, chick rearing, food preferences and interactions with predators or other threats. This study is helpful for reducing risks, such as predation or disturbances due to human activity, which threaten hornbill survival. This monitoring has significantly contributed to the analysis and reduction of threats to hornbill nests, thereby increasing the chances of successful breeding.
One of the primary challenges faced by hornbills is the scarcity of natural nesting sites, due to deforestation and habitat loss. To address this, we are planning to install artificial nest boxes similar to natural cavities and prepared from eco-friendly material. These nest boxes will provide a safe space for hornbills to breed and raise their young ones, leading to increased nesting success for hornbill species. This intervention will be helpful in boosting the population size of hornbills, ensuring that these iconic birds continue to thrive in the Western Ghats.
The survival of hornbills depends not only on suitable nesting sites but also on an abundant food supply. We have collected seeds from faecal matter and dropped feed of hornbills by applying nets below nest site. The collected seeds are germinated in this hornbill food plant nursery to cultivate native fruit-bearing plants which are essential to the diet of hornbills. These plants are then used to restore hornbill habitats by increasing the availability of food sources. By planting and nurturing these important plant species, we are contributing to the restoration of hornbill habitat and ensuring that hornbills have enough food throughout the year. This has led to improved food availability, which directly supports the growth and well-being of hornbill populations.
We have launched the Friends of Hornbill Club, which actively engages youth and students in hornbill conservation efforts. This club called Dhanesh Mitra Mandal in local language is useful to create a sense of ownership and responsibility among the local community. Through workshops, educational programs, and field activities, we aim to cultivate a new generation of local supporters who are passionate about protecting hornbills and their habitat. This initiative has not only led to greater sensitization of young minds but has also encouraged involvement of community members, fostering a culture of conservation that extends beyond our organization and into the broader community.
Sahyadri Sankalp Society operates in the heart of the Western Ghats, focusing on the Sahyadri ranges in Maharashtra.
