Recently, a male Great Hornbill was spotted in Kakkampara near Ezhimala in Kerala, far from its usual forest habitats, sparking biodiversity hopes.

About the Great Hornbill (Malamuzhakki Vezhambal)

• The Great Hornbill (Buceros bicornis) is Kerala’s and Arunanchal Pradesh’s State bird and one of the largest members of the hornbill family.
  • It is also known as the Concave-Casqued Hornbill.
• Habitat: It is usually found in dense evergreen and moist deciduous forests of the Western Ghats and parts of Northeast India.
  • Common habitats in Kerala include Silent Valley, Aralam, Nelliampathy, Athirappilly, and Parambikulam.
• Dietary Preference: Hornbills are omnivorous, but their diet is primarily frugivorous (fruit-based).
  • The species plays a critical role as a seed disperser and ecological indicator.
• Conservation Status: Listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, it is also protected under Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

Other Hornbills of India

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