Rhinoceros Hornbill(Buceros rhinoceros)
The rhinoceros hornbill is a large arboreal hornbill, 80 to 90 cm (31–35 in) long. The weight varies by sex, with males weighing around 2,465 to 2,960 g and the females 2,040 to 2,330 g. The plumage is predominately black, with white legs and vent and a white tail with a black band. The huge bill and casque are orange and red, the colour coming from preen oil rubbed on from the preen gland above the tail. The eyes of the male are red with black rims, and white with red rims in the female.
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Habitat
It is found in lowland and montane, tropical and subtropical climates and in mountain rain forests up to 1,400 metres in Borneo, Sumatra, Java, the Malay Peninsula, Singapore, and southern Thailand.
Diet
Their diet is dominated by fruit, but it will take any insect, small reptile, rodent, and smaller birds that it can catch.
Breeding
The courtship and bonding of these birds are critical, as the female must trust the male to provide her with everything when she is incubating and raising chicks. These hornbills make their nests inside tree trunks, and the female stays inside with the eggs and then with the chicks, while the male brings them food. After the eggs are laid, the male collects mud, and the pair pack that mud, along with food and feces, to wall up the entrance to the tree cavity. They leave a very small hole, just large enough for the male to feed the female, and later the chicks, and for the female to defecate through the hole. Once the chicks are fully feathered and old enough to leave the nest, the parents chip away the dry mud to let the chicks out.
Population
According to the IUCN Red List, they are classed as Vulnerable(VU). The population size of this species has not been quantified. The species is widespread throughout its range, but occurs at low densities, even in suitable habitat. An analysis of deforestation between 2000 and 2012 estimated forest loss within the species's range at a rate equivalent to 44% over three generation lengths (55 years). Being largely restricted to primary forests and intolerant of habitat conversion, the species is additionally threatened by hunting. Thus, its actual rate of population decline is likely greater than the estimate decline based on forest loss alone, possibly exceeding 44% over three generations. The rate of decline is therefore placed in the band 44-49% over three generations. Since this species has a long generation length, with three generations stretching over 55 years, there is insufficient evidence to calculate the magnitude of reduction over the past three generations. Assuming the recent rate of decline remains constant, the species is projected to decline by 44-49% over the next three generations.
Threats
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's range at 43.8% across three generation lengths. Additionally, the species is known to be impacted by hunting. It is caught for food, trade and the use of body parts in ceremonial dress, especially on Borneo. The species may also be taken as ‘bycatch’ by hunters targeting Helmeted Hornbill. The rate of decline due to hunting is uncertain.
Conservation
Conservation Actions Underway
CITES Appendix II. Occurs in several protected areas, including Taman Negara National Park (Malaysia), Gunung Leuser and Way Kambas National Parks and Berbak Game Reserve (Sumatra) and Danum Valley Conservation Area (Borneo).
Conservation Actions Proposed
Monitor populations across the range to determine the magnitude of declines and rates of range contraction. Campaign for the protection of remaining extensive tracts of lowland forest in the Sundaic region. Restrict hunting.