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Dear Friends and Nature lovers,
It is very fascinating to see the majestic Great Hornbills soar through the skies of the Western Ghats, their vibrant feathers an evidence to the rich biodiversity of the Sahyadri ranges. Sadly, this image is under threat as the numbers of these magnificent birds are declining in the region.
The Sahyadri Sanakalp Society, a dedicated NGO committed to wildlife conservation, has launched a crucial initiative to protect and preserve the Great Hornbills - "Adopt a Nest for Hornbill Conservation."
About Great Hornbill and their breeding biology
The Great Hornbill (Buceros bicornis) is a magnificent bird found in the dense forests. They, as vital pollinators and seed dispersers, play a pivotal role in maintaining this delicate balance of ecosystem and known as farmers of forest. The beautiful bird is known for its distinctive appearance, due to its impressive size, bill, striking black and white feathers make it an attractive sight in its natural habitat. These birds are primarily frugivorous, relying on a diet of fruits, but also consume small mammals and reptiles. Unfortunately, habitat loss threatens their populations, emphasizing the importance of conservation efforts to safeguard this remarkable species. Great Hornbills are slow breeders, form monogamous pairs, engaging in an extended breeding season that demands substantial parental involvement. These birds prefer nesting in big trees featuring pre-existing hollows. During the breeding period, hornbill couples locate a suitable hollow for nest, where the female seals herself in with a mixture of droppings and mud, creating a small opening for the male to provide sustenance. This unique biological behavior makes them highly susceptible to threats like hunting and habitat destruction, leading to a decline in breeding individuals due to population loss and the disappearance of nesting locations. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) status of the Great Indian Hornbill is 'Vulnerable' showing urgency to protect the beautiful bird.
You can support hornbills by adopting a nest and taking on the role of a hornbill parent.
Why is this important?
The Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is home to a unique and fragile ecosystem. Habitat loss and human encroachment have led to a decline in numbers of great hornbill. Our initiative aims to reverse this trend and secure a future for these iconic birds.
Hornbills are dependent on the continued existence of primary rainforests so that they can find mature trees which provide suitable nest cavities for nesting. Forest loss has detrimental impacts on the population of hornbills throughout its range, particularly as it shows a preference for forest areas with large trees that may be targeted by loggers. Forests in Ratnagiri are lost mainly due to the anthropogenic pressures. Hornbills are unable to persist in areas where low elevation forest has been reduced to small fragments resulted in declining Hornbills population.
Past study in the region revealed only 10 nests of great hornbill in the region from 2017 to the date. However, nest cavity quality is poor with very few successful fledging events have been documented. Also Habitat for hornbills is degraded with a few large trees and food plants remained. Existing sacred groves are also being destroyed at alarming rate. And therefore, hornbill conservation can only be achieved by working in partnership with local communities, providing better nesting opportunities to maximise nesting success of hornbills and restore hornbills habitats to improve the carrying capacity of hornbills in long-term.
How can YOU make a difference?
By adopting a nest site,you contribute directly to the protection and conservation of Great Hornbills in the Western Ghats. Your support will fund essential activities such as:
Nest Monitoring and Protection: Ensuring a safe environment for hornbill breeding.
Habitat Restoration: Planting and maintaining native trees to create a conducive habitat.
Community Education: Raising awareness among local communities to promote coexistence.
Here's how you can help:
Donate: Your financial support will directly fund our conservation efforts. Every contribution, no matter how small, makes a significant impact.
Spread the Word: Share this appeal on your social media platforms, encouraging friends and family to join the cause.
Volunteer: If you're passionate about conservation, consider volunteering your time and skills to support our on-the-ground initiatives.
Donate Now
Together, let's ensure that the Great Hornbills continue to grace our skies, symbolizing the harmony between nature and humanity. Join us in this noble cause, and let's make a lasting difference in the conservation of the Western Ghats.
Thank you for your support!
“Nurture Nature, Adopt a Nest today: Great Hornbill Conservation Starts with You!"
#HornbillConservation #SaveOurWesternGhats #AdoptANest
It is very fascinating to see the majestic Great Hornbills soar through the skies of the Western Ghats, their vibrant feathers an evidence to the rich biodiversity of the Sahyadri ranges. Sadly, this image is under threat as the numbers of these magnificent birds are declining in the region.
The Sahyadri Sanakalp Society, a dedicated NGO committed to wildlife conservation, has launched a crucial initiative to protect and preserve the Great Hornbills - "Adopt a Nest for Hornbill Conservation."
About Great Hornbill and their breeding biology
The Great Hornbill (Buceros bicornis) is a magnificent bird found in the dense forests. They, as vital pollinators and seed dispersers, play a pivotal role in maintaining this delicate balance of ecosystem and known as farmers of forest. The beautiful bird is known for its distinctive appearance, due to its impressive size, bill, striking black and white feathers make it an attractive sight in its natural habitat. These birds are primarily frugivorous, relying on a diet of fruits, but also consume small mammals and reptiles. Unfortunately, habitat loss threatens their populations, emphasizing the importance of conservation efforts to safeguard this remarkable species. Great Hornbills are slow breeders, form monogamous pairs, engaging in an extended breeding season that demands substantial parental involvement. These birds prefer nesting in big trees featuring pre-existing hollows. During the breeding period, hornbill couples locate a suitable hollow for nest, where the female seals herself in with a mixture of droppings and mud, creating a small opening for the male to provide sustenance. This unique biological behavior makes them highly susceptible to threats like hunting and habitat destruction, leading to a decline in breeding individuals due to population loss and the disappearance of nesting locations. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) status of the Great Indian Hornbill is 'Vulnerable' showing urgency to protect the beautiful bird.
You can support hornbills by adopting a nest and taking on the role of a hornbill parent.
Why is this important?
The Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is home to a unique and fragile ecosystem. Habitat loss and human encroachment have led to a decline in numbers of great hornbill. Our initiative aims to reverse this trend and secure a future for these iconic birds.
Hornbills are dependent on the continued existence of primary rainforests so that they can find mature trees which provide suitable nest cavities for nesting. Forest loss has detrimental impacts on the population of hornbills throughout its range, particularly as it shows a preference for forest areas with large trees that may be targeted by loggers. Forests in Ratnagiri are lost mainly due to the anthropogenic pressures. Hornbills are unable to persist in areas where low elevation forest has been reduced to small fragments resulted in declining Hornbills population.
Past study in the region revealed only 10 nests of great hornbill in the region from 2017 to the date. However, nest cavity quality is poor with very few successful fledging events have been documented. Also Habitat for hornbills is degraded with a few large trees and food plants remained. Existing sacred groves are also being destroyed at alarming rate. And therefore, hornbill conservation can only be achieved by working in partnership with local communities, providing better nesting opportunities to maximise nesting success of hornbills and restore hornbills habitats to improve the carrying capacity of hornbills in long-term.
How can YOU make a difference?
By adopting a nest site,you contribute directly to the protection and conservation of Great Hornbills in the Western Ghats. Your support will fund essential activities such as:
Nest Monitoring and Protection: Ensuring a safe environment for hornbill breeding.
Habitat Restoration: Planting and maintaining native trees to create a conducive habitat.
Community Education: Raising awareness among local communities to promote coexistence.
Here's how you can help:
Donate: Your financial support will directly fund our conservation efforts. Every contribution, no matter how small, makes a significant impact.
Spread the Word: Share this appeal on your social media platforms, encouraging friends and family to join the cause.
Volunteer: If you're passionate about conservation, consider volunteering your time and skills to support our on-the-ground initiatives.
Donate Now
Together, let's ensure that the Great Hornbills continue to grace our skies, symbolizing the harmony between nature and humanity. Join us in this noble cause, and let's make a lasting difference in the conservation of the Western Ghats.
Thank you for your support!
“Nurture Nature, Adopt a Nest today: Great Hornbill Conservation Starts with You!"
#HornbillConservation #SaveOurWesternGhats #AdoptANest
