Empowering Conservation Efforts for Indonesian Hornbills

Share :

Indonesia is home to 13 out of the 62 hornbill species, making it the country with the largest number of hornbill species and the widest habitat in Asia. As a result, this creates significant opportunities for various threats to their survival.

From the Great Hornbill (Buceros bicornis), Wreathed Hornbill (Rhyticeros undulatus), Sulawesi Hornbill (Rhabdotorrhinus exarhatus), and Helmeted Hornbill (Rhinoplax vigil), they are easily recognizable due to their distinctive characteristics.

The hornbill population grows very slowly due to their large bodies, monogamous behavior, and the ability to raise only one chick. They are considered primitive animals because they can only nest in natural cavities of tall and large trees in the forest.

In 2013, the Rangkong Indonesia investigation found that about 6,000 adult Helmeted Hornbills were hunted in West Kalimantan specifically for their heads. Additionally, in 2015, a total of 2,343 hornbill casque were confiscated from the black market. The main demand for hornbill casque originates from China.

The Helmeted Hornbill has seen a significant decline in population over the past three years, with its conservation status decreasing from Near Threatened (NT) to Critically Endangered (CR). This is primarily a result of the sale of hornbill heads (casques) as decorations.

Rangkong Indonesia also conducts surveys among local communities around the forest to assess the presence of hornbills. Surprisingly, some locals rarely spot these birds, while others hunt them for sale or consumption.

Rangkong Indonesia, as a conservation unit of Rekam Nusantara, has initiated the Nesting Tree and Fig Adoption Program. Yokyok Hadiprakarsa, the founder of Hornbill Indonesia, believes that involving various parties is one way to mitigate the numerous threats to hornbills and their habitats.

Rangkong Indonesia not only conducts regular hornbill monitoring but also invites local communities living around the forests to participate in protecting, educating, and training them. The local communities are trained to become champions who monitor nesting trees, food, and the forest where the hornbills live. All funds donated by adopters will be directly channeled to support these efforts.

Isidorus Jefri used to be a hornbill hunter, but now he is a part of the local Rangkong Indonesia team. As a result, he has a deep understanding of the forest conditions. Along with other locals, he has come to recognize the significance of protecting hornbills and forests. They have also discovered various benefits and alternative economic solutions.

The adoption program aims to enable local communities to sustain their villages without resorting to hunting or selling hornbills. Instead, they can rely on funds from the adoption program. This approach promotes self-sufficiency within local communities and contributes to the preservation of hornbills and their habitats.

For those interested in donating or adopting, please contact the following individual for more information.

Email: kontak@rangkong.id

Intagram & Twitter: @RangkongID

Facebook: Rangkong Indonesia

#YangSetiaYangDijaga #SaveHelmetedHornbill #SaveEnggang

Others Blogs