Black Hornbill(Anthracoceros malayanus)
They are also called the Malayan Black Hornbill and Asian Black Hornbill. It has a disproportionate casque on its bill, ivory-coloured on the male (above) and black on the female (who also has pink around her eyes). The body and wings are black but they have a white under tail band. Juvenile has pale greenish-yellow bill and underdeveloped casque.
Habitat
They are confined to the Sundaic lowlands of peninsular Thailand, Sabah, Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia, Kalimantan and Sumatra (including the Lingga, Bangka, Belitung islands), Indonesia and Brunei. It is generally scarce or locally common in suitable habitat. Habitat loss has already driven it to the verge of extinction in Thailand. This species occurs in lowland primary evergreen forest, usually below 200 m, but rarely up to 600 m, where it prefers areas near watercourses or flood plains, as well as gallery and swamp forest. It is also found in selectively logged and tall secondary forest.
Diet
They are omnivores and they feed mainly on large fruits, but occasionally takes small animals including insects, bats and bird eggs
Breeding
Its breeding behaviour is not well known; breeding is apparently not limited to a season and occurs throughout the year, but not always annually. Nests are placed in natural tree cavities or possibly in woodpecker holes.
Population
According to the IUCN Red List, they are classed as Vulnerable(VU). The population size of this species has not been quantified, but it has been described as locally common. Their population trend is classed as decreasing.
Threats
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. An analysis of forest loss from 2000 to 2012 estimated forest loss within the species's range at 36.7% across three generation lengths. The species may also be taken as 'bycatch' by hunters targeting Helmeted Hornbill.
Conservation
Conservation Actions Underway
CITES Appendix II.
Conservation Actions Proposed
Monitor populations across the range to determine the magnitude of declines and rates of range contraction. Ensure the protection of remaining tracts of lowland evergreen forest throughout the Sundaic region. Restrict hunting.