Sumba Hornbill(Rhyticeros everetti)
They are also known as Sumba Island Hornbill, Sumba Wreathed Hornbill or Everett’s Hornbill. Locally it is known as Goanggali. It is a medium-sized, blackish hornbill, approximately 70 cm long. The male is dark reddish-brown on the crown and nape, with a paler neck. The female has entirely black plumage. Both sexes have a large, dull, yellowish bill with a maroon patch at the base, a serrated casque, and an inflatable blue throat. The Sumba hornbill does not defend or mark its territory, though there may be exceptions for certain areas of the forest where the bird is more territorial.
Habitat
It is a large bird endemic to Indonesia. Its range includes Nusa Tenggara Islands, specifically Sumba Island. It lives in evergreen primary forest, monsoon forest, and forests along riparian areas.
Diet
Sumba hornbill is a highly frugivorous bird, although no detailed study is available. Many observations state that the Sumba hornbills eat the fruits of strangler figs, and seeds from 16 fruit species have been found underneath a nest tree.
Breeding
The Sumba hornbills will mate once they find the right nest, otherwise they will continue to search. Little is known about Sumba hornbill’s breeding cycle, but if they are like other hornbills the female build a nest in a tree hollow before blocking it up with mud pellets created by the male. She will remain in the blocked up hollow until the chicks fledge. The male provides food for the female and the chicks. He will make up to 24 visits every day, which can add up to 1,600 visits over the entire nesting period.
Population
According to the IUCN Red List, they are classed Vulnerable(VU). Recent population estimates are difficult to reconcile, ranging from 1,650 mature individuals on the whole of Sumba, to 6,400 individuals in the Manupeu-Tanadaru National Park alone, although another estimate of fewer than 4,000 individuals in total has been given. A population size of 2,500-9,999 mature individuals is retained here until the differences between these estimates are accounted for. Despite the adequate protection of an area of lowland forest in the Manupeu-Tanadaru National Park, an overall population decline of 30-49% is estimated owing to the extensive and on-going loss and fragmentation of forest habitats outside of the reserve.
Threats
Habitat destruction and fragmentation stemming from small-scale logging, fuelwood collection and clearance for cultivation or pasture poses the main threat. These pressures are exacerbated by fire resulting from a dry climate and uncontrolled burning to encourage new growth for cattle. Since the 19th century, 60% of forest has been lost. This hornbill's preference for lowland areas further compounds the threat of habitat loss, as do the reported minor impacts of trade and exploitation for food. Although one large area of lowland forest appears to be well protected in the Manupeu-Tanadaru National Park, forest loss is likely to be continuing outside of reserves.
Conservation
Conservation Actions Underway
CITES Appendix II. Populations occur in the recently established Manupeu-Tanahdaru National Park (MTNP) and Laiwangi-Wanggameti National Park (LWNP), which are now monitored by government-run management authorities set up in 2006. Burung Indonesia has been working intensively since 2002/2003 on strengthening Sumba's national park management. The project included facilitating local communities and government to develop village conservation agreement and to agree on the demarcation of the MTNP, resulting a reduced external pressure on illegal logging, forest destruction, and better law enforcement. Population surveys were carried out for the species in the MTNP in 2009. The illegal wildlife trade has been monitored since 2004, and in four big cities in Sumba there have been no cases of the species being recorded in trade/captivity.
Conservation Actions Proposed
Conduct detailed research into the breeding and foraging ecology of the species. Conduct an accurate population survey across the entire island and implement a monitoring programme to establish population trends. Gazette strict nature reserves at Yawila, Puronumbu and Luku Melolo, a wildlife sanctuary at Lulundilo and a forest park at Tanjung Ngunju. Support initiatives to establish and manage further protected areas. Continue to work with local communities to prevent lowland forest clearing, hunting and trapping. Reconcile differences in population estimates.