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Forest cover loss threatens hornbills in Arunachal
Why is it in News?
- A study based on satellite data has revealed a high rate of deforestation in a major hornbill habitat in Arunachal Pradesh.
Hornbills:
- Species of Hornbills:
(1) Three species of the large, colourful fruit-eating hornbills: Great hornbill, Wreathed hornbill and Oriental Pied hornbill found in Papum Reserve Forest.
(2) The fourth species - the Rufous-Necked found in Pakke tiger reserve.
- They often referred to as ‘forest engineers’ or ‘farmers of forest’ for playing a key role in dispersing seeds of tropical trees to maintain balance of forest.
- Hornbills have been hunted for their casques — upper beak — and feathers for adorning headgear.
- Hornbills are big birds, with males larger than females.
- It is the heaviest, but not the longest, Asian hornbill.
- The great hornbill is evaluated as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
- The great hornbill is the state bird of Kerala and Arunachal Pradesh in India.