2021 2023 Asian Hornbill SAFE Program Plan
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2021 – 2023 Asian Hornbill SAFE Program Plan
ASIAN HORNBILL SAFE PROGRAM PLAN 2021-2023
Contents
BACKGROUND ……………………………………………………………. 2
Asian Hornbill SAFE Program Goal ………………………………………… 3
Program Operational Structure ………………………………………………. 3
Conservation Target ………………………………………………………….. 4
Status of Asian Hornbills within AZA Community …………………………. 5
AZA Conservation Activities ………………………………………………… 5
AZA Public Engagement Activities ………………………………………….. 6
SPECIES STATUS …………………………………………………………... 7
Conservation Status …………………………………………………………... 7
Recovery Plans & IUCN SSC Hornbill Specialist Group Priorities …………. 13
Threats ………………………………………………………………………... 14
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES ………………………………………………… 15
Conservation Objectives ……………………………………………………… 15
Public/Stakeholder Engagement Objectives …………………………………. 16
Communications/Public Awareness Objectives ……………………………... 16
Funding Objectives …………………………………………………………… 16
LITERATURE CITED ………………………………………………………. 17
PROGRAM SUMMARY TABLE …………………………………………... 21
Cover photo © Aparajita Datta, Great Indian Hornbill
Back cover © Morton Strange, Rhinoceros Hornbill
-1-
BACKGROUND
The Asian Hornbill SAFE Program creates a partnership between the IUCN SSC Hornbill
Specialist Group and the AZA community to support the implementation of effective
conservation planning and actions to conserve threatened Asian Hornbills and the habitat upon
which they depend. Asian Hornbills are some of the largest and most visually striking birds seen
in AZA member institutions. They draw attention to the importance of tropical rainforests across
Asia and the role that hornbills play as seed-dispersers to maintain forest ecology. They are
affectionately described as being the 'gardeners of the rainforest' and make ideal flagship species
to highlight the biodiversity of life that exists in these unique ecosystems. They are dependent on
the continued existence of primary rainforests so that they can find mature trees that can provide
suitable nest cavities for breeding, and therefore they focus attention on the dangers of losing
rainforest biodiversity when land is cleared for development. Several hornbill species are
affected by illegal trade, either for the live bird trade, or for body parts used as souvenirs (as
detailed later in this plan). This initial three-year Asian Hornbill SAFE Program Plan focuses on
15 threatened category species, from five focus countries in South-East Asia where AZA
members have historically or currently support conservation work with Asian Hornbills. The five
focus countries of the current program plan are India, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia & the
Philippines. Conservation actions supported by AZA members include developing conservation
action plans, nest site protection, local community-based forest warden programs, habitat
protection and enhancement, biodiversity assessments of natural areas, species population
surveys and population viability assessments, provision of artificial nests, anti-poaching and
demand reduction programs.
Fig 1 – Distribution of the 15 Asian Hornbill species covered in the SAFE Program Plan
-2-
PROGRAM GOAL
The Asian Hornbill SAFE Program’s overarching, long-term goal is to support the sustainability
of wild Asian Hornbills in viable, ecologically functional populations in forest, both intact and
managed, within their natural ranges. Within their range countries hornbills will increasingly be
valued by local communities for their role in rainforest ecology and protected from poaching,
trade and habitat loss or degradation through science-based, and stakeholder-inclusive
conservation action. The focus of the three-year plan includes.
1. Partner with IUCN SSC Hornbill Specialist Group, and affiliated working groups, to
deliver science-based, stakeholder-inclusive conservation planning for priority Asian
Hornbill species and coordinate implementation of the conservation strategies and action
plans produced.
2. Cultivate long-term sustainable partnerships, between AZA organizations and field
partners, both established and new, that advance the field conservation of Asian hornbills.
3. Address data deficient knowledge gaps for key range areas and species of Asian
hornbills, according to strategic priorities identified by IUCN SSC Hornbill Specialist
Group.
4. Work with Traffic-Asia and other like organizations to monitor patterns and current
trends in wildlife trafficking of Asian hornbills and address demand reduction to reduce
wildlife trafficking for Asian hornbills in range, transit and demand countries.
PROGRAM OPERATIONAL STRUCTURE
Program Leader
Roger Sweeney North Carolina Zoo - Roger.Sweeney@nczoo.org
Director of Animal Management 336-879-7601
Vice Program Leader
David Oehler Nashville Zoo – doehler@nashvillezoo.org
Vice President 615-833-1534 x 193
Steering Committee and Program Partner
Bryan MacAulay Phoenix Zoo – bmacaulay@phoenixzoo.org
Collection Manager of Birds 602-286-3800 x 7635
Michelle Smurl Brevard Zoo – MSmurl@brevardzoo.org
Director of Animal Programs 321-254-9453 x 217
Gen Anderson St. Augustine Alligator Farm – GAnderson@alligatorfarm.com
General Curator 904-824-3337 x 116
Mark Myers Woodland Park Zoo – Mark.Myers@Zoo.org
Curator of Birds & Invertebrates 206-548-2507
-3-
Program Advisors
WCC Liaison Dr. Lisa Kelley – St. Louis Zoo lkelley@stlzoo.org
Executive Director, Wild Care 314-646-4958
Education Advisor Michelle Kolar – Zoo Atlanta mkolar@zooatlanta.org
Vice President of Education 404.624.5890
Coraciiformes TAG Paul Schutz - Disney’s Animal Kingdom Paul.J.Schutz@Disney.com
Animal Operations Manager 407-938-2936
IUCN SSC Hornbill Dr. Aparajita Datta – Senior Scientist aparajita@ncf-india.org
Specialist Group Nature Conservation Foundation
Wildlife Trafficking Sara Walker – AZA swalker@aza.org
Alliance Senior Advisor 301-244-3320
Helmeted Hornbill Dr. Jessica Lee – Assistant Director Jessica.lee@wrs.com.sg
Working Group Wildlife Reserves Singapore +65 6768 5322
Field Partners
PhilBio Foundation Lisa Paguntalan -Executive Director lisapaguntalan@philbio.org.ph
Talarak Foundation Dino Gutierrez - President dinogutz@yahoo.com
Katala Foundation Dr. Peter Widmann - Director widpeter@yahoo.com
Hornbill Research Vijak Chimchome - Secretary chimchome@gmail.com
Foundation
Nature Conservation Dr. Aparajita Datta – Senior Scientist aparajita@ncf-india.org
Foundation
HUTAN Conservation Dr Marc Ancrenaz – Scientific Director ngo_hutan@yahoo.com
Program
Animals Asia Harold Browning – Animal Welfare Hbrowning@animalsasia.org
Foundation Advisor
CONSERVATION TARGET
The Asian Hornbill SAFE Program initially focuses on 15 species of the family Bucerotidae,
from the South-East Asia region. The list of species for this initial Asian Hornbill SAFE program
plan was created by combining the highest priority Asian species that the IUCN SSC Hornbill
Specialist Group has identified for conservation planning and action, with the list of current AZA
animal program species, and then inclusion of existing field conservation programs where AZA
members have already invested in Asian hornbill conservation and partnerships. We then
restricted the species list to only include those species listed in IUCN threatened categories (CR,
EN & VU), but we note that several additional non-threatened hornbill species will also benefit
from the actions supported by this Program. The following table represents the species covered
in this initial Asian Hornbill SAFE Program Plan.
-4-Table 1: Current Asian Hornbill SAFE Program Plan species
STATUS OF ASIAN HORNBILL SAFE SPECIES WITHIN AZA COMMUNITY
The AZA Coraciiformes Taxon Advisory Group currently has 3 SSP programs for Asian
Hornbill species, plus one candidate program. All four of those species are included within the
Asian Hornbill Safe Program and their population numbers are detailed in the 2019
Coraciiformes TAG Annual Report as follows.
Rhinoceros Hornbill - Yellow SSP - 35.37.2 (74 individuals)
Wrinkled Hornbill - Yellow SSP - 26.19.1 (46 individuals)
Great Indian Hornbill - Red SSP – 15.5.0 (20 individuals)
Wreathed Hornbill - Candidate Prgm – 9.10.0 (19 individuals)
In addition, both Black Hornbill and White-crowned Hornbill have been kept in AZA institutions
but have been listed as phase-out species during past regional collection planning by the
Coraciiformes Taxon Advisory Group.
AZA CONSERVATION ACTIVITIES
In a 2019 survey to AZA Coraciiformes TAG Institutional Representatives, 20 AZA
organizations stated that they were either funding field conservation work directly focused upon
hornbills or had staff members directly involved with hornbill field work. Many additional zoos
have funded regional conservation work in Asia that has connection to Asian Hornbills. In many
cases, AZA organizations have shown long-term support for conservation programs for
-5-population monitoring, nest protection and habitat enhancements for Asian Hornbills such as
those offered by the Hornbill Research Foundation in Thailand, or the Nature Conservation
Foundation, India.
The current Asian Hornbill SAFE Program Partners have been involved in the following
activities.
• North Carolina Zoo is supporting field survey work and conservation action plan
development & implementation with Philippine hornbills that has been ongoing for
several years. This has included participation in species action planning workshops for
Sulu hornbill, Rufous-headed hornbill & Visayan hornbill as well as other Philippine
wildlife. North Carolina Zoo is now working with Philippine partner organizations to
implement conservation actions from the Sulu Hornbill Conservation Strategy & Action
Plan for at least the next 3 years, starting with field surveys and population viability
assessment, nest protection programs, and further development of a local forest ranger
program.
• Phoenix Zoo - In 2017, The Arizona Center for Nature Conservation/Phoenix Zoo
became directly involved in the conservation of Asian Hornbills. Building upon a decade
of successful captive breeding of Rhinoceros Hornbills, Phoenix teamed up with HUTAN
to design, construct and install a series of artificial nests in Sabah, Borneo. Since 2017,
the project has grown in size and scope to include eight species of imperiled Asian
Hornbills along with several successful nest protypes.
• Nashville Zoo has a long history of ex-situ programs that benefit the Rhinoceros Hornbill
SSP involving the propagation of this taxon and partnering with local suppliers to donate
artificial nest cavities (whiskey barrels) to zoos across the United States. In-situ programs
have been in place for more than a decade and comprise of landscape protection within
the Lower Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary and the surrounding floodplains of Malaysia.
Moving forward, the Nashville Zoo is entering an agreement with the Hanoi Wildlife
Rescue Center, and Animals Asia Foundation in Vietnam. This agreement outlines efforts
to establish a program to support efforts to rescue, conserve, and propagate hornbill taxa
associated with animals confiscated through the illegal wildlife trade.
• Brevard Zoo has funded hornbill nest protection programs in Thailand through the
Hornbill Research Foundation and is currently supporting the Malaysian SAFE field
partner HUTAN with habitat enhancement work in Borneo.
• St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park actively funds nest protection programs in
both Thailand & India through support for SAFE field partners Hornbill Research
Foundation and Nature Conservation Foundation.
• Woodland Park Zoo has supported conservation of Asian Hornbills for many years
through coordinating funding donations from many North American partners to the
Hornbill Nest Adoptions program run by the Hornbill Research Foundation in Thailand.
https://www.zoo.org/nestadoptions
AZA PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT ACTIVITIES
As a new SAFE program, data has not been collected to establish the baseline of activities within
AZA organizations that focus on Asian Hornbill conservation. This baseline data will be
-6-collected as part of this plan. The SAFE Program plan will initially focus on the development of
Love Hornbills Day as an annual SAFE awareness day on February 13th to build upon the
foundation of this awareness day being celebrated in Thailand and other Asian countries for over
20 years. In addition, the SAFE program will highlight World Rainforest Day, June 22nd, also an
established day of celebration, for awareness activities.
SPECIES STATUS
CONSERVATION STATUS OF THE 15 ASIAN HORNBILL SAFE SPECIES
With the Asian Hornbill SAFE Program including 15 threatened-category species, the
conservation status and threats faced vary significantly with some species being single-island
endemics, while other species face broad threats that cross over national borders and regulatory
jurisdictions. The IUCN SCC Hornbill Specialist Group has recently reviewed and revised
assessment data for all Asian hornbill species, an exercise that was completed in late 2020.
Based upon recently updated red list assessment information for these species, a short summary
for each species is given below for each of the 15 SAFE Program species.
Helmeted Hornbill (Rhinoplax vigil) - IUCN Status: Critically Endangered
Major Threats – Trade & Habitat Loss
Source: BirdLife International (2020a)
“The species is heavily targeted by hunters and illegally traded. The species has a solid horn or
casque, which is highly prized. China is the biggest consumer of the casques, which are often
carved for decorations (Hughes 2015). Currently, the trade in this species is centered on
Indonesia, but will likely move to Malaysia once the supply of birds becomes limiting in
Indonesia (S. Mahood in litt. 2015).” “The trade network is thought to be largely managed by
organized crime. This means that trade pressure is likely to continue, eventually reaching
every part of the species range, and will be very difficult to control (N. Collar in litt. 2015).”
“Perhaps a crucial additive factor is that logging has created access to a much greater
percentage of the species range, enabling hunters’ access to virtually the entire population. The
species is generally confined to lowland and lower-slope forest up to an elevation of 1,500 m,
which is usually targeted for conversion to oil palm and logging for timber (N. Collar in litt.
2015). The species has specific nesting requirements, using the largest trees and apparently
requiring trees with nest holes topped with a perch for the male to use while provisioning the
female (Jain et al. 2018). Logging is therefore likely to significantly reduce available nest
sites. As a fig-specialist, it is also likely to be strongly affected by loss of fig trees due to
logging (Meijaard et al. 2005). Forest fires have also had a damaging effect and are
exacerbated by fragmentation (Cochrane 2001).”
Rhinoceros Hornbill (Buceros rhinoceros) – IUCN Status: Vulnerable
Major Threats – Habitat Loss & Local Hunting
Source: BirdLife International (2020b)
-7-“Forest destruction in the Sundaic lowlands of Indonesia has been extensive as a result of
commercial and illegal logging, as well as agricultural development. An analysis of forest loss
from 2000 to 2012 estimated forest loss within the species range at 43.8% across three
generation lengths (Tracewski et al. 2016). Additionally, the species is known to be impacted
by hunting. It is caught for food, trade and the use of body parts (namely its casque and tail
feathers) in ceremonial dress (Kinnaird and O'Brien 2007, Kemp and Boesman 2018),
especially on Borneo by the Iban and Orang Ulu communities (L. Sir in litt. 2020). The
species may also be taken as ‘bycatch’ by hunters targeting Helmeted Hornbill Rhinoplax
vigil (R. Wirth in litt. 2017). The rate of decline due to hunting is uncertain, however hunting
for feathers and casques is likely to increase for commercial and cultural purposes via online
platforms in Kalimantan, Indonesia (Y. Hadiprakarsa, pers. comm.)”
Wrinkled Hornbill (Rhabdotorrhinus corrugatus) – IUCN Status: Endangered
Major Threats – Habitat Loss
Source: BirdLife International (2018a)
“Rates of forest loss in the Sundaic lowlands have been extremely rapid, owing partly to the
escalation of illegal logging and land conversion, with deliberate targeting of all remaining
stands of valuable timber including those inside protected areas. Forest fires have also had a
damaging effect (particularly in 1997-1998). An analysis of forest loss from 2000-2012
estimated forest loss within the species range at a rate equivalent to 62% across three
generation lengths (Tracewski et al. 2016). This species shows strong avoidance of degraded
or secondary forests and is reliant on lowland forest (D. L. Yong and S. Mahood in litt. 2018),
which is particularly threatened by land conversion for large-scale plantations of oil palm and
rubber, as well as clearance for small-scale agriculture. The species requires large trees in
which to nest, so logging of large trees is a particular threat (S. Mahood in litt. 2018). The
species is also threatened by hunting and may be taken as 'bycatch' by hunters targeting
Helmeted Hornbill Rhinoplax vigil (D. L. Yong in litt. 2018).”
Wreathed Hornbill (Rhyticeros undulatus) – IUCN Status: Vulnerable
Major Threats – Habitat Loss
Source: BirdLife International (2018b)
“Forest destruction in the Sunda region has been extensive as a result of commercial and
illegal logging, conversion to agriculture (particularly plantations) and increasing human
population pressure. The species generally prefers areas with extensive forest cover, while it
avoids areas with even low human population (A. Datta and R. Naniwadekar in litt. 2018). The
species has a very large home range (Keartumsom et al. 2011) and therefore requires large
tracts of undisturbed forest. Its preferred lowland forest habitat is particularly impacted by
deforestation, even within protected areas (Kemp et al. 2018). An analysis of forest loss from
2000 to 2012 estimated deforestation within the species range at 32.8% over three generations
(Tracewski et al. 2016). In north-eastern India, only 5% of the landscape offers suitable habitat
(Naniwadekar et al. 2016). There, the species has disappeared from places where it used to be
common (A. Choudhury in litt. 2018), while it declined in abundance at sites where it still
persists (A. Datta and R. Naniwadekar in litt. 2018).”
-8-“Even though the species is less hunted than the Great Hornbill Buceros bicornis (A. Datta and
R. Naniwadekar in litt. 2018), hunting poses a substantial threat. A survey in north-eastern
India found that the species is mainly targeted for its meat or as a trophy (A. Datta and R.
Naniwadekar in litt. 2018). Apart from that, its feathers are used as for cultural reasons by
local communities and its fat is highly prized for medical purposes (A. Datta and R.
Naniwadekar in litt. 2018). The species may also be taken as 'bycatch' by hunters targeting
Helmeted Hornbill Rhinoplax vigil (R. Wirth in litt. 2017).”
White-crowned Hornbill (Berenocornis comatus) – IUCN Status: Endangered
Major Threats – Habitat Loss
Source: BirdLife International (2018c)
“Rates of forest loss in the lowlands of Indonesia have been extremely rapid, owing partly to
the escalation of illegal logging and land conversion, with deliberate targeting of all remaining
stands of valuable timber including those inside protected areas. Forest fires have also had a
damaging effect. The magnitude of these threats could have been allayed by this species
tolerance of hill forest, which is under less pressure from logging and agricultural conversion.
An analysis of forest loss from 2000-2012 estimated forest loss within the species range at a
rate equivalent to 49.6% across three generation lengths (Tracewski et al. 2016). The species is
also threatened by hunting and may be taken as 'bycatch' by hunters targeting Helmeted
Hornbill Rhinoplax vigil (D. L. Yong in litt. 2018).”
Black Hornbill (Anthracoceros malayanus) – IUCN Status: Vulnerable
Major Threats – Habitat Loss
Source: BirdLife International (2018d)
“Forest destruction in the Sundaic lowlands of Indonesia has been extensive as a result of
commercial and illegal logging, conversion to agriculture (particularly plantations) and
increasing human population pressure. Even though the species can tolerate a moderate level
of habitat degradation, its preference for flat lowland forests places it at high risk, as these
areas are particularly impacted by deforestation, especially in Sumatra and the Malay
Peninsula (Kemp et al. 2018). An analysis of forest loss from 2000 to 2012 estimated forest
loss within the species range at 36.7% across three generation lengths (Tracewski et al. 2016).
The species may also be taken as 'bycatch' by hunters targeting Helmeted Hornbill Rhinoplax
vigil (R. Wirth in litt. 2017).”
Great Hornbill (Buceros bicornis) – IUCN Status: Vulnerable
Major Threats – Habitat Loss & Local Hunting
Source: BirdLife International (2020c)
“Forest loss likely has detrimental impacts on this species throughout its range, particularly as
it shows a preference for forest areas with large trees that may be targeted by loggers. Forests
are lost to illegal logging and land conversion mainly for housing and agricultural
developments, from small-scale agriculture to large-scale plantations. Because of its
exceptionally large home range, the species requires extensive tracts of undisturbed forest and
-9-is unable to persist in areas where lowland forest has been reduced to small fragments
(Chang et al. 2013). This species is affected by logging (Datta 1998) and the decline of
hornbills in hunted and logged forests results in reduced seed dispersal (Naniwadekar et
al. 2015). The species is also susceptible to fragmentation of its rainforest habitat (Raman and
Mudappa 2003) as well as loss or death of old growth or large trees for nesting (Mudappa and
Raman in litt. 2020).”
“Hunting poses a substantial threat to the species. Because of its predictable behavior when
regularly visiting the same feeding sites as well as using the same tree-cavities to nest in, it is
easily targeted by local hunters. A survey in north-eastern India found that the species is
mainly hunted for food as well as for its casque and tail feathers, which are used as
adornments by local communities (R. Naniwadekar and A. Datta in litt. 2016, A. Datta and R.
Naniwadekar in litt. 2018). Moreover, the species is highly prized for its fat, which is used for
a variety of purposes, ranging from medical treatments to gun polish (A. Datta and R.
Naniwadekar in litt. 2018). The species is also captured for the pet trade (Eames 2008), with
chicks reported as being collected in south India and Thailand (R. Naniwadekar and A.
Datta in litt. 2016) and may also be taken as 'bycatch' by hunters targeting Helmeted
Hornbill Rhinoplax vigil (R. Wirth in litt. 2017).”
Rufous-necked Hornbill (Aceros nipalensis) – IUCN Status: Vulnerable
Major Threats – Habitat Loss & Local Hunting
Source: BirdLife International (2020d)
“Its dependence on large trees for feeding and nesting makes it especially susceptible to
deforestation and habitat degradation through logging, shifting cultivation and clearance for
agriculture. Furthermore, viable populations require vast tracts of forest to survive,
exacerbating its susceptibility to habitat fragmentation. These problems are compounded by
widespread hunting and trapping for food, and trade in pets and casques. Hunting is the
primary threat to the species in Arunachal Pradesh, India (Datta 2009, Naniwadekar et
al. 2015a), where it is targeted primarily for meat (Naniwadekar et al. 2015a). As compared
with the Great Hornbill and Wreathed Hornbill, Rufous-necked Hornbills often occurs in
lower densities even in their optimal habitats (Dasgupta and Hilaluddin 2012, Naniwadekar
and Datta 2013). In addition, their annual home ranges are small (c. 25 km2), they show strong
affinity to hill forests and are not known to make wide-ranging movements (Tifong et al.
2007). This likely makes them more vulnerable to hunting.”
“Where Great Hornbill does not occur, the casque is used in ceremonial headgear, while the
tail feathers are occasionally sought for cultural reasons, meat is consumed and some
communities use the body fat for a purported medical value and even for polishing guns
(Naniwadekar et al. 2016). In eastern Arunachal Pradesh the head of the species is frequently
displayed in houses and was found in 61% of households sampled (Datta 2002).”
Sulu Hornbill (Anthracoceros montani) – IUCN Status: Critically Endangered
Major Threats – Habitat Loss
Source: BirdLife International (2020e)
- 10 -“Jolo (Sulu) and Sanga-Sanga have apparently been almost completely deforested. By the
mid-1990s, rapid clearance of primary forest on Tawi-Tawi had rendered remaining lowland
patches highly degraded, although plans to replace these with oil-palm plantations seem to
have stalled, while the rate of logging has slowed with the remainder of forest being confined
to rugged mountainous areas. Conversion to rubber plantations and mining activities remain a
threat to existing forest (D. Allen in litt. 2012, 2016). There have been examples of known
sites being cleared for agriculture (I. Sarenas in litt. 2010). High gun ownership in the recent
past may have resulted in it being shot for food and target practice. Young may continue to be
harvested for food, and the species may be collected for trade. Hunting pressure on Tawi-Tawi
may well have increased in recent years (I. Sarenas in litt. 2010).”
Rufous-headed Hornbill (Rhabdotorrhinus waldeni) – IUCN Status: Critically Endangered
Major Threats – Habitat Loss
Source: BirdLife International (2018e)
“Chronic deforestation has led to its extinction on Guimaras and its extreme scarcity
elsewhere. An estimated 4% of Negros and 8% of Panay remained forested in 1988, although
this has reportedly since been reduced to c. 3% and c. 6%, respectively (W. Oliver in litt.
2007). Only 10% (c. 110 km2) of this is thought to be below 1,000 m. It heavily utilizes (at
least temporally) forest fruits and thus is adversely affected by deforestation. Hunting has
reportedly had severe impacts in the past, with one estimate of up to a quarter of the (then
estimated) population of north-west Panay shot in a single day in 1997, although the validity
of this report is uncertain. It tends to gather in fruiting trees and reportedly congregates around
injured members of the flock (Marseille 2013), which makes it particularly vulnerable to
hunting. Nest poaching, whether for sale of incumbent females and their dependent chicks for
human consumption or into local bird trade, is the most serious threat. Poaching
affected c. 50% of broods before the implementation of a nest guarding scheme which now
protects about two thirds of all broods in the Central Panay Mountain Range, but until the nest
guarding scheme can be expanded the remaining third are still vulnerable (W. Oliver in litt.
2007; E. Curio in litt. 2007, 2008).”
Visayan Hornbill (Penelopides panini) – IUCN Status: Endangered
Major Threats - Habitat Loss
Source: BirdLife International (2020f)
“Deforestation and hunting are the major threats. Tiny fragments of forest remain on Masbate,
Guimaras, Ticao, Pan de Azucar and Sicogon. In 1988, it was estimated that just 4% forest
cover remained on Negros (although this is thought to have been an underestimate [Brooks et
al. 1992]) and 8% on Panay and shifting kaingin cultivation continues. Hunting and trapping
of adults and young is widespread.”
Mindoro Hornbill (Penelopides mindorensis) – IUCN Status: Endangered
Major Threats – Habitat Loss
Source: BirdLife International (2020g)
- 11 -“By 1988, extensive deforestation on Mindoro had reduced forest cover to an estimated 120
km2. Remaining lowland forest is highly fragmented. In 1991, it was estimated that it would be
totally cleared within 10-20 years, although rates of loss may have slowed. Encroaching slash-
and-burn cultivation and selective logging threaten forest fragments that still support the
species, including Siburan. Illegal timber and firewood collection are also destroying forest (B.
Tabaranza in litt. 2007). At Puerto Galera, dynamite blasting is forcing it upslope. In 1993,
many hornbill nest-trees were destroyed by a flood, the effects of which were exacerbated by
deforestation. It is easily hunted for food.”
Palawan Hornbill (Anthracoceros marchei) – IUCN Status: Vulnerable
Major Threats – Habitat Loss
Source: BirdLife International (2016)
“Deforestation in lowland Palawan and on many of its satellite islands (e.g. Culion, Balabac
and Busuanga) has been extensive. The lowland forests which are core habitat for the species
are the least protected forest ecosystems in Palawan (Widmann et al. 2015). Logging and
mining concessions have been granted for much of the island's remaining forest. Illegal
logging is thought to persist in the south, and forest at Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm may be
threatened by illegal encroachment (P. Widmann in litt. 2016). Hunting for food and sport is
also a threat: interviews conducted in south Palawan indicate that the species is regularly
hunted for bushmeat (Villafuerte-van den Beukel et al. 2009). Nest trees may be raided for
young birds with the species apparently becoming increasingly common in the pet trade,
nationally and to a certain degree also internationally (Widmann et al. 2015).”
Northern Rufous Hornbill (Buceros hydrocorax) – IUCN Status: Vulnerable
Major Threats – Habitat Loss
Source: BirdLife International (2020h)
“This species suffers from substantial hunting pressure and widespread loss of habitat as a
result of logging and conversion to agriculture. Continued subsistence hunting and felling of
remnant dipterocarp forests for agriculture are thought to be further depressing population
numbers, and the range is now highly fragmented and likely suffering from an acute lack of
suitable nesting trees, at least in parts of the range (J-C. Gonzalez in litt. 2013, J. Ibanez in
litt. 2014).”
Southern Rufous Hornbill (Buceros mindanensis) – IUCN Status: Vulnerable
Major Threats – Habitat Loss
Source: BirdLife International (2020i)
“This species suffers from substantial hunting pressure and widespread loss of habitat as a
result of logging and conversion to agriculture. Continued subsistence hunting, felling of
remnant dipterocarp forests for agriculture, and petty trade in remote places in Mindanao are
thought to be further depressing population numbers, and the range is now highly fragmented
and likely suffering from an acute lack of suitable nesting trees, at least in parts of the range
(J-C. Gonzalez in litt. 2013, J. Ibanez in litt. 2014). This could be because nest trees, especially
dipterocarps and ironwood, are among the most valued timber species in illegal logging
operations (P. & I. Widmann in litt. 2019)”
- 12 -RECOVERY PLAN, OTHER PLANS & IUCN STRATEGIC PRIORITIES
In recent years the IUCN SSC Hornbill Specialist Group has identified strategic priorities for
conservation planning and has initiated new conservation action plans for the Helmeted Hornbill
(2018), Sulu Hornbill (2019), Rufous-headed Hornbill (2019) and Visayan Hornbill (2019).
Currently, discussion is taking place to support both a National Conservation Planning Session
for Philippine Hornbills and/or a regional conservation planning session for the Mindoro
Hornbill and other Mindoro endemics in 2021. Information about current plans is given below.
Sulu Hornbill
In March 2019 a Species Conservation Planning Workshop process was conducted for the Sulu
Hornbill, facilitated jointly by the IUCN’s Hornbill Specialist Group and Conservation Planning
Specialist Group. The science-based, stakeholder inclusive meeting brought together 44
participants from 23 organizations representing government, Non-government organizations,
universities and conservation organizations. The process produced a 10-year Conservation
Strategy & Action Plan. Among the participants, North Carolina Zoo participated in facilitating
the workshop and editing the plan document. North Carolina Zoo and other SAFE Program
Partners are now actively involved with the implementation of the Plan. Document reference:
Datta, A., Jakosalem, P.G., Kemp, L.V., Lee, J., Lees, C., Paguntalan, L., Strange, B.C.,
Sweeney, R., & Widmann, I. (Eds.) 2019. Species Conservation Strategy and Action Plan: Sulu
Hornbill, Anthracoceros montani. IUCN SSC Hornbill Specialist Group
Helmeted Hornbill
In May 2017 a Species Conservation Planning Workshop was conducted in Sarawak, Malaysia
coordinated by the Helmeted Hornbill Working Group, with funding support from several
organizations. This science-based, stakeholder inclusive workshop process brought together 35
participants from 28 organizations including representatives of range-country governments, non-
government organizations, field biologists and wildlife trade experts. The resulting 10-year
Conservation Strategy & Action Plan is now being actively implemented and has many action
areas that the SAFE program will be engaged with, particularly regarding demand reduction and
fighting wildlife trade. Document reference: Jain A., Lee J. G. H., Chao N., Lees C., Orenstein
R., Strange B. C., Chng S. C. L., Marthy W., Yeap C. A., Hadiprakarsa Y. Y. and Rao M. (Eds)
2018. Helmeted Hornbill (Rhinoplax vigil): Status Review, Range-wide Conservation Strategy
and Action Plan. 2018-2027. IUCN Species Survival Commission Hornbill Specialist Group.
Rufous Headed Hornbill & Visayan Hornbill
In June 2019 a multi-species Conservation Planning Workshop was held in Negros Occidental
for five Threatened West Visayas Endemic species that included planning for Rufous-headed
Hornbill (CR) and Visayan Hornbill (EN). That plan being coordinated by Kristin Leus from
IUCN Conservation Planning Specialist Group (CPSG) European office should be complete in
2021. A diverse group representing government, non-government organizations, universities,
field biologists and many ex situ conservation professionals from the international zoo
community came together over 4 days to produce conservation strategies for all five species. A
- 13 -plan has yet to be produced by CPSG, but the goals and objectives produced by the Hornbill sub-
group of these meetings are already being used by the SAFE Program to initiate range habitat
suitability assessment work ahead of a proposed reintroduction project for the Visayan Hornbill
in 2021.
National Action Plan development for Philippine Hornbills
A National Conservation Planning workshop for Philippine Hornbills was planned to be initiated
by the Philippine Biodiversity Management Bureau in Spring 2020 but has been delayed because
of COVID-19 restrictions; this should be rescheduled within 12 months and North Carolina Zoo
is a planned participant in this process. This Philippine government-led process will include
conservation planning for 7 species within the Asian Hornbill SAFE Program Plan.
Mindoro Hornbill and other threatened Mindoro endemic species
North Carolina Zoo & Wildlife Reserves Singapore are tentatively planning a conservation
planning workshop for the Endangered Mindoro Hornbill that will also include other threatened
Mindoro island endemic species in Fall 2021 - Summer 2022.
THREATS
The major threats to Asian Hornbills can vary between different countries and can be different
for island endemics with small natural ranges, compared to species with larger natural ranges
that occur in multiple countries. In general, major threats fall into the following categories.
Habitat loss or degradation
Habitat loss is the most significant major threat to Asian Hornbill SAFE Program species.
Fourteen of the SAFE Program species have habitat loss listed as the most serious major threat
for the survival of the species, with only the Helmeted hornbill having trade as a more serious
threat than habitat loss. An analysis of deforestation in South-East Asia was conducted using
data from 2000 to 2012 to estimate forest loss, with the results compared to species distribution
polygons for over 6,283 bird species, including most Asian hornbill species (Tracewski et
al. 2016). The results showed that for the Asian Hornbill species managed as Species Survival
Programs (SSP) by AZA member institutions, Rhinoceros Hornbill habitat declined by 43.8%,
Wrinkled Hornbill habitat declined by 62%, Great Hornbill habitat declined by 26% and
Wreathed Hornbill habitat declined by 32.8%. (Tracewski et al. 2016). The time period for the
dataset studied was considered 3 generation lengths for hornbill species, so the rate of habitat
loss for these species is alarming.
For the seven hornbill species from the Philippines covered in this SAFE Program plan, most are
single island endemics in a country where forest cover has been dramatically reduced across
most of the country. In example, for the West Visayas region species it was estimated in 1998
that just 4% forest cover remained on Negros and 8% forest cover on Panay (BirdLife
International 2018e).
- 14 -Trade
Trade, as defined here as commercial wildlife trafficking is the most serious major threat specific
to one species, the Helmeted Hornbill. The solid casque of the Helmeted Hornbill is in strong
demand to be used in trade crafts (Collar 2015). The Helmeted Hornbill (Rhinoplax vigil) Status
Review, Range-Wide Conservation Strategy and Action Plan 2018-2027 (Jain et al. 2018) states
“This may have been partially fueled by the Chinese ban on commercial ivory sales in 2017
(Adhiasto D., pers. Comm.). A single casque can fetch more than USD 1,000 on the black
market in China, a price five times higher than that for elephant ivory (EIA 2015; Hughes,
2015).” The action plan also describes “Recent seizures of Helmeted Hornbill products reveal the
staggering scale of the illegal casque trade. Between 2010 and 2017, a minimum of 2,878
Helmeted Hornbill casques, skulls and products, worth almost USD 3 million, were confiscated
in at least 59 separate seizure incidents (EIA 2016)” (Jain et al. 2018). Six other Asian Hornbill
SAFE Program species that share geographical range with the Helmeted Hornbill are known to
have been affected by trade as ‘bycatch’ by hunters aggressively targeted the Helmeted Hornbill.
These six species are the Great Hornbill, Rhinoceros Hornbill, Wrinkled Hornbill, Wreathed
Hornbill, White-crowned Hornbill and Black Hornbill.
Several Asian Hornbill species are also captured for the pet trade. The Great Hornbill in
particular has been a target for the pet trade (Eames 2008), with chicks reported as being
collected in south India and Thailand.
Traditional hunting
Traditional hunting, defined here as hunting by local communities that use meat or biomaterials
from the birds locally rather than trade their catch commercially, is noted as a threat for some
species. Traditional hunting at community levels tends to be for food or for body parts used in
local cultural activities (Kinnaird and O'Brien 2007, Kemp and Boesman 2018). Some
communities also use the body fat for a purported medical value or to polish guns
(Naniwadekar et al. 2016). Species noted are being more affected by traditional hunting include
Rhinoceros Hornbill, White-crowned Hornbill, Great Hornbill, and Rufous-headed Hornbill.
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES
CONSERVATION OBJECTIVES
1. Partner with IUCN SSC Hornbill Specialist Group, and affiliated working groups, to
deliver science-based, stakeholder inclusive conservation planning for priority Asian
Hornbill species and coordinate implementation of the conservation strategies and action
plans produced.
2. Address data deficient knowledge gaps for key range areas and species of Asian hornbills
according to strategic priorities identified by IUCN Hornbill Specialist Group.
3. Work with Traffic-Asia and other like organizations to monitor patterns and current
trends in wildlife trafficking of Asian hornbills and address demand reduction to reduce
- 15 -wildlife trafficking for Asian hornbills in range, transit and demand countries in line with
conservation action plans that are being implemented.
PUBLIC/STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT OBJECTIVES
1. Cultivate long-term sustainable partnerships, between AZA organizations and field
partners, both established and new, that advance the field conservation of Asian hornbills.
2. Collaborate with regional field partners to raise awareness in range country communities
about hornbills’ unique ecological role in forest seed-dispersal.
3. Collaborate with regional field partners to facilitate at least one demand reduction
campaign in Asian hornbill range countries that targets 100 consumers of 50+ live birds
or body parts during plan period.
COMMUNICATIONS/PUBLIC AWARENESS OBJECTIVES
1. Create baseline of understanding and conservation education activities within AZA
partner organizations regarding Asian hornbill conservation.
2. Increase awareness within AZA partner organizations and their public about the
international trade of live hornbills and their parts.
3. Increase awareness within AZA partner organizations and their public about Asian
hornbill habitat loss and degradation.
FUNDING OBJECTIVES
1. Increase the amount of funding for Asian Hornbill conservation in line with the Strategic
Objectives for this SAFE Program Plan by 10% annually.
2. Provide opportunities for AZA members to support the funding and implementation of
conservation action plans being developed by the IUCN SSC Hornbill Specialist Group.
3. Provide opportunities for AZA members to support long-term sustainability building
partnerships being championed with organizations including HUTAN, Hornbill Research
Foundation and Nature Conservation Foundation.
4. Provide technical advice and peer review opportunities for Principal Investigator grant
applications from range countries that aligns with the strategic objectives of this SAFE
Program Plan.
- 16 -LITERATURE CITED
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3.RLTS.T22682447A178062684.en
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use of Rufous-necked Hornbill (Aceros nipalensis) by radio tracking in Huai Kha Khaeng
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- 20 -PROGRAM SUMMARY TABLE
- 21 -Conservation Objective 1. Partner with IUCN SSC Hornbill Specialist Group, and affiliated working groups, to deliver
science-based, stakeholder inclusive conservation planning for priority Asian Hornbill species and coordinate
implementation of the conservation strategies and action plans produced.
Action Metrics Timeframe Partners Budget
1.1 Helmeted Hornbill Action Plan 1.1.1 Fund 2 or more 2021-2023 • Helmeted ~ $30,000.00
Implementation. rapid assessment trips. Hornbill Working
1.1.1 Continue priority rapid 1.1.2 Participate in 2 or Group,
assessments to provide more complete more sub-group meetings. • Traffic
range and population information. 1.1.3 Fund 1 or more trial • Wildlife Trade
1.1.2 partner with new Demand programs for hornbill Alliance
Reduction working sub-group. guardian program.
1.1.3 Provide seed funding for a trial
'hornbill guardians' program designed
to help fill a key data deficiency gap in
current range data information.
1.2 Sulu Hornbill action plan 1.2.1 Complete base field 2021-2023 • PhilBio, $30,000.00
Implementation. surveys for hornbill range. • North Carolina
1.2.1 Conduct field surveys for 1.2.2 Complete habitat Zoo,
population & demographic data. mapping exercise • IUCN Hornbill
1.2.2 Combine habitat suitability 1.2.3 Complete PVA Specialist Group
mapping with population density workshop and share
estimates to understand what modeling results.
population size could be supported. 1.2.4 Document the
1.2.3 Conduct Population Viability provision of training,
Assessment Workshop. equipment & technical
1.2.4 Support Tawsi Forest Ranger support for Tawsi
program. Rangers.
11.3 Rufous-headed Hornbill and 1.3.1 Provide funding for 2021-2022 • PhilBio $20,000.00
Visayan Hornbill Action Plan island wide habitat • Talarak
Implementation. (waiting finalization assessments & Foundation
of new action plan). populations surveys in
1.3.1 Island Wide habitat assessments Negros.
and populations surveys on Negros.
1.4 Rapid Assessment of Wrinkled 1.4 Provide funding for 2022-2023 • Birdlife Asia ~ $5,000.00
Hornbill population status. rapid assessment once it
has been approved.
1.5 Conduct a species conservation 1.5 Complete workshop 2021-2022 • North Carolina $15,000.00
planning workshop for the Mindoro and publish Species Zoo
Hornbill and other threatened Mindoro conservation strategy & • Wildlife Reserves
endemics. action plan. Singapore
• MBCFI
Conservation Objective 2. Address data deficient knowledge gaps for key range areas and species of Asian
hornbills according to strategic priorities identified by IUCN Hornbill Specialist Group.
Action Metrics Timeframe Partners Budget
2.1 Assess wild population status of 2.1 Publish at least one 2021-2023 • Birdlife Int. TBD
Indochinese hornbill species. new article or report. • IUCN Hornbill
Specialist Group
• AH SAFE
partner
institutions
2.2 Provide Seed funding to test 2.2 Fund one test program 2021-2023 • Birdlife Int. ~ $10,000.00
concept for new Birdlife Int. Hornbill in an Indochina range • AZA Partner
Guardian program in an Indochina country. Organizations
range country that is designed to help
fill a key data deficiency gap in current
range information.
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