Malabar Grey Hornbill, Characteristics and IUCN Status

Discover the Malabar Grey Hornbill, an endemic bird species of the Western Ghats known for its unique casque-less bill, frugivorous diet, and vital role in forest ecology.

Context: A team of researchers from Kerala has been awarded the Future Conservationist Award by the Conservation Leadership Programme (CLP) for their project on conserving the Malabar Grey Hornbill.

CLP is a partnership between Fauna & Flora International, BirdLife International and Wildlife Conservation Society.
- Aim: To build the capacity of young conservationists, particularly in developing countries where resources for conservation are often limited.

About Malabar Grey Hornbill

Malabar Grey Hornbill is endemic to the Western Ghats and associated hills of southern India.

Habitat: They are found mainly in dense forests and around rubber, areca nut or coffee plantations.
IUCN Status: Vulnerable
India is home to nine hornbill species, including the Great Hornbill, Malabar Pied Hornbill, Rufous-necked Hornbill, Indian Grey Hornbill etc.

Characteristics

They have a large beak but lack the casque that is prominent in some other hornbill species.
It has a black undertail with white tips and a pale eyebrow.
They move around in pairs or small groups, feeding on figs and other forest fruits.
Their loud cackling and laughing call makes them familiar to people living in the region.