In what appears to be a sign of a healthy ecosystem, 12 active nests of Malabar Pied Hornbill (Anthracoceros coronatus) were recorded in a research done on the population and habitat of the species in the Pilloor valley in Coimbatore.
The dozen active nesting suggests that at least 24 birds live in the forests in the valley which belongs to the southern part of the Nilgirii Biosphere Reserve.
The study on the tree cavity nesting bird in the valley was done by P. Girikaran, a student of Government Arts College Udhagamandalam, for his thesis in MSc Wildlife Biology.
Mr. Girikaran studied the nesting and habitat of the bird, a species listed under the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, between January and March.
“This is the first time population of the species is assessed in the valley. Though only 12 active nests were recorded, the actual number of individuals could be more than 24,” said B. Ramakrishnan, assistant professor of Wildlife Biology at Government Arts College Udhagamandalam.
Frugivorous bird
According to Mr. Ramakrishnan, the main factors contributing to a healthy habitat for the bird in the valley are the presence of semi and evergreen riverine forests, fruit-bearing trees and undisturbed ecology. As a frugivorous bird, Malabar pied hornbill also play an ecological role in the dispersal of fruit seeds. Germination capacity of the seeds also increases as they are dispersed through droppings.
Presence of the species in the valley is also attributed to the increase in the number of individuals in the nearby Athikkadavu valley, another prime habitat of the bird. Considering these factors, Mr. Ramakrishnan said a long-term study is required to analyse the population trend of the species in the valley.
“A planned study for at least five years is needed for monitoring population trend, feeding habit, availability of fruits and threats to the species. This will help the authorities to do a Population Viability Analysis,” said Mr. Ramakrishnan, who is also a member of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)’s Asian Elephant Specialist Group, National Biodiversity Authority (Invasive Alien Species) and State Board for Wildlife, Tamil Nadu.
