December 2013 to June 2014 (English - pdf - 8375 Kb)

Malaysian Nature Society, JKR 641 Jalan Kelantan, Bukit Persekutuan, 50480 Kuala Lumpur

Updates from the FieldNo. 6 December 2013–June 2014No. 6 December 2013–June 2014

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HCP Update No. 6 December 2013 - June 2014

December is always a time of rains in Belum-Temengor

which makes fieldwork rather unpredictable (and very

short mostly) but it also provides the MNS team with a

brief respite before we enter an important period in a

hornbill’s life come January – their breeding season.

Despite generally being a wet month, some hornbills have

already started to scout around for new nest holes or

revisit previous ones. An early hornbill gets the hole

perhaps? The success of 2013 breeding season provided

us with much encouragement and hope but results in the

first three months of 2014 proved slow. Thankfully, from

April onwards, the situation improved and we successfully

located more in Royal Belum and Temengor. The 2014

breeding season was also exciting as we field tested the

HD improvised recording device – now named HB-IRD –

which gave us some amazing insights into the secretive

world of the nesting Bushy-crested and Black Hornbills.

There was another reason to rejoice in January. While

surveying hornbills in Temengor, we encounter a little

known and rarely seen social behaviour of the Helmeted

Hornbills – casque-butting – on two occasions. True to its

description by other witnesses in Thailand and/or

Indonesia, the collision between the casques (or helmets

2

From the Editor’s Desk

Cover Photo: A Male Wrinkled Hornbill. Yeap Chin Aik/MNS

if you like) of two individuals resulted in a very loud and memorable “CLACK” – the sound of the impact

has been described “like billiard balls knocking into each other”. Fortunately, we managed to photograph

the behaviour as it happened but just barely; as light was fading in the evening.

From this issue onwards, we made some further changes to the contents of this Update. Although it

serves to provide readers about the progress of MNS hornbill work in Belum-Temengor, we also now

welcome short articles about your hornbill encounters in other parts of Malaysia. Anuar McAfee shares

with us his Oriental Pied Hornbill story from Kenyir. So, readers, do contact me if you have interesting

write ups. The second new addition is a column to ‘capture’ hornbill sightings in the country. For the

latter, most information are gleaned from the MNS Bird I-Witness database but we also welcome from

other sources e.g. Facebook postings, direct submissions (to the Editors) etc including accompanying

low resolution photo(s) (if any). Naturally, proper credit(s) will be accorded. We hope that over time we

would have a reasonable database on hornbills which could help us understand their statuses in our

country.

Lastly, I would like to welcome and thank Ms Nina Cheung for coming onboard to assist the team in

producing the Updates for 2014. She was previously the Editor for Suara Enggang (MNS-Bird

Conservation Council’s bird bulletin) for many years. Her editorial experience will definitely help improve

the Updates.

How time flies! Instead of quarterly Updates in 2014, we have decided to produce two bumper Updates

(January-June/July-December) to catch up. We hope you enjoy reading them.

Yeap Chin Aik

INTRODUCING THE HB-IRD

Capturing the unseen

Locating a hornbill nest in a landscape such as Belum-Temengor is an amazing challenge. Once located,

monitoring them to gain insights into their breeding behaviour is another. Little is known about the breeding

behaviour and cycles of all our 10 hornbill species (Wells 1999). Hence it is important to monitor the located

hornbill nest(s) as frequent as possible to address the knowledge gaps. As daily or frequent monitoring is

resource intensive i.e. manpower, Malaysian Nature Society (MNS) has been experimenting with technology

as a possible way to monitor nest(s).

Working with Mr. Herman Visser from Specialised Projects Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., we developed a prototype in

2013 by combining the current CCTV technology with conventional video recording equipment powered by

motorcycle batteries. The prototype casing alone was heavy and weighed at least 8.5kg! It took at least four

persons to carry the entire prototype to the target nest. We field tested the prototype on an active Wreathed

Hornbill nest in mid-2013. Then we waited to see the results. It was a huge relief to finally see that the

prototype was successful in capturing interesting breeding behaviour of this hornbill. The icing on the cake

was that it also managed to capture the emergence of the female and chick as well just before the batteries

went flat!

With the successful trial of the prototype, MNS and Specialised Projects began working on the second version

taking into account some of the shortcomings. By late May 2014, we were ready for another round of field

tests. We named the version 2.0 as the HORNBILL BREEDING-IMPROVISED RECORDING DEVICE or the

HB-IRD. This unit is smaller, uses less number of batteries but is now in high definition.

We returned to the same nest and discovered that

a family of Bushy-crested Hornbills have taken over

as the new tenants. Nevertheless, we proceeded

as planned. How did the field tests go? We’ll find

out in the next Update.

CHICK 2

HCP Update No. 6 December 2013 - June 2014 3

Field Updates

Deployment of the CCTV HD video recording unit in the field. It was trialed on two species (Black and Bushy-

crested Hornbills) for several days respectively. The field trials were successful whereby amazing feeding

footages were captured, giving us more insights into their behaviour and nesting needs in this landscape.

CHICK 2


Field Updates

Bushy-crested Hornbill feeding his imprisoned female

and/or chick.

Male Black Hornbill brought back a scorpion to the nest.

Photo: HB-IRD/MNS

Photo: HB-IRD/MNS

SEARCH CONTINUES FOR NESTS

Spurred and encouraged by the 2013 season’s success, the MNS team continued to tap on our Orang Asli

network and invest in our own nest search efforts. The first three months (January-March) proved

challenging with only three new nests. However, the situation seemed to turn for the better as April rolled

in. By the end of June, a total of 15 new nests of six species have been found as follows:

Bushy-crested Hornbill (8) Rhinoceros Hornbill (4)

Oriental Pied Hornbill (3) Black Hornbill (2)

Great Hornbill (1) Wreathed Hornbill (1)

While searching for new nests, we also continued to monitor some existing nests (discovered previous

seasons) belonging to the:

Oriental Pied Hornbill (4) Black Hornbill (1)

Bushy-crested Hornbill (3) Rhinoceros Hornbill (2)

Some of these hornbills completed their breeding process i.e. seal broken or chick(s) fledged in May or

June.

CHICK 2


Field Updates

The chick of the nesting Wreathed Hornbill

getting restless inside the cavity. The

female can be seen behind the chick with its

blue facial skin.

One of the males in the Bushy-crested Hornbill group

returning to feed buah bayas to the female inside. In

the 2012 breeding season, this nest was occupied by

Wreathed Hornbills. It has since been taken over by

this group from 2013 till this year.

The male Oriental Pied Hornbill at its sealed nest hole in a merbau tree (Intsia palembanica).

It is likely to be the same pair that used this tree hole to nest last year. (Tee Lian Huat / MNS)

HEAD BANGERS

Casque-butting between Helmeted Hornbills

captured on camera

The Helmeted Hornbill is one of the largest Asian hornbills around with an average weigh of about 2-3

kilogram. It is found in Sundaic tropical rainforests of southern Myanmar and Thailand, Peninsular

Malaysia, Borneo and Sumatra (Indonesia). Social behaviour of hornbills are often difficult to observe in

the wild hence not much is known.

In early January 2014, a little-known and rarely seen social behaviour of Helmeted Hornbills was

observed engaged in casque-butting in late evening at Temengor Forest Reserve. Two pairs of Helmeted

Hornbills (Pairs A and B) were perched on exposed branches of a tree (Figure 1) located on a slope

opposite each other.

One male (Pair A) then took off from the perch and flew towards the other perched male (Pair B) and

attempted to knock its casque with it (Figure 2,3 & 4) . However, the attempt was not successful. The

female from Pair A followed soon after and attempted to casque butt with Pair B female (Figure 5-9). This

attempt was successful and a loud ‘CLACK’ was heard. After these two attempts of casque-butting, the

Helmeted Hornbill pairs remained in the area but no further attempts were made and light was fading.


Pair A

Pair B

Figure 1

Field Updates

CHICK 1

MOM

CHICK 2


Figure 2: Male of Pair A flew down to casque-butt with the male of Pair B

Field Updates

Figure 3

CHICK 1

MOM

CHICK 2


Figure 4

Field Updates

Figure 5: Female of Pair A followed to casque butt with Pair B female.

CHICK 1

MOM

CHICK 2


Figure 6

Field Updates

Figure 7

CHICK 1

MOM

CHICK 2


Figure 8

Field Updates

Figure 9

According to Kinnaird et al. (2003), the casque-butting could be a form of agonistic behaviour of

Helmeted Hornbills competing for similar, limited resources.

Observations in Thailand and Indonesia seem to support this idea as they occurred near fruiting fig

trees. However, much is still unclear about the true function of this behaviour due as there are only a

handful of these reports from the field to date.

Reference

Kinnaird, M.F., Hadiprakarsa, Y.Y. and Thiensongrusamee, P. 2003. Aerial jousting by Helmeted

Hornbills: observations from Thailand and Indonesia. Ibis 145: 506-508.

CHICK 2


Field Updates

Announcing the Pakke Paga Festival -

celebrating the HORNBILLS and Pakke's

other wildlife with the Nyishi people.

The poster shows some of Pakke's other big

stars - the Ibisbill, Tiger, Asian Elephant,

King Cobra and White-winged Wood duck.

'Paga' means hornbill in the Nyishi

language.

For more information contact: Help Tourism

[email protected]

http://www.helptourism.com/festival-tours-

in-india/pakke-paga-festival-arunachal.html

https://www.facebook.com/368922073135257/photos/a.417222401638557.112168.368922073135257/894432407250885/?type=1&relevant_count=1

https://www.facebook.com/368922073135257/photos/a.417222401638557.112168.368922073135257/894432407250885/?type=1&relevant_count=1

THE RAINFOREST SUPERMARKET

A fruiting fig in full glory

The fruiting fig tree in a tropical rainforest is akin a busy kopitiam.

Six feeding sites (all fig trees) were located and observed at various intensities. Four in Temengor

(Sungai Halong, Pulau Tujuh, Sungai Enam, Chuweh/Dok) and three in Royal Belum (Sungai Ruok).

Most of these attracted large number of hornbills and other animals mainly green-pigeons, fairy-

bluebirds, leaf-monkeys and macaques.


Field Updates

Black and Bushy-crested Hornbills on fruiting fig tree.

Pig-tailed Macaques and Dusky Leaf Monkeys also fed on figs at near Pulau Tujuh.


Field Updates

• Sungai Halong - 3 species (Black, Oriental Pied and Rhinoceros Hornbills)

• Pulau Tujuh - 4 species (Black, Bushy-crested, Oriental Pied, Rhinoceros Hornbills). Helmeted

and Great Hornbills were observed near the tree but did not land during our watch.

• Chuweh/Dok area - at least 1 species (Oriental Pied Hornbill)

• Sungai Ruok - Flocks of Great (16 individuals) and Helmeted Hornbills (7 individuals) at a fruiting

fig tree

• Sungai Ruok 1 - 3 species (Great, Rhinoceros and Helmeted Hornbills)

• Sungai Ruok 2 - 1 species (Oriental Pied Hornbill)

• Sungai Ruok 3 - 1 species (Rhinoceros Hornbill)

• Pulau Tali Kail - Rhinoceros Hornbill (1 individual)

• Sungai Halong - Rhinoceros Hornbill (4 individuals)

• Sungai Semelor - Black Hornbill (1 individual)

The team also observed for the first time and confirmed that hornbills, in this case the Bushy-

crested, consume a palm fruit called buah bayas (Family Arecaceae / Oncosperma horridum)

during breeding. Several individuals were perched on the fruit bunches of this palm and plucking

ripe fruits in Temengor Forest Reserve. This observation was captured on camera. This family of

Bushies was also nesting nearby.

Oriental Pied Hornbill

14HCP Update No. 6 December 2013 - June 2014

Field Updates

First photographic evidence of hornbills, in this case Bushy-crested, consuming palm fruit of

Oncosperma horridum (or bayas locally). This group of four (on the palm bunch) were

‘harvesting’ ripe fruits for the alpha female sealed in a nest tree not too far away.

The ripened buah bayas on the right – dark, purplish fruit about 10 sen coin in size. The

scientific name is Oncosperma horridum which belongs to the palm family Arecaceae.

ENCOUNTERS WITH THE ‘W’s

During the search for hornbill nests in Belum-Temengor, we encountered the two ‘W’s. Positive

sightings of rare hornbill species specifically the Wrinkled and White-crowned Hornbills in Royal

Belum (Sg Ruok area) and Temengor (Pulau Besar East/Semelor area) respectively between

January and March. To give an idea of its rarity, the Wrinkled Hornbill (Figure 1) has only been

positively recorded (i.e. observed) once (in Sg Gadong) in 2013. White-crowned Hornbills (Figure 2)

are usually heard more than seen, as they prefer the middle storey of the forests which makes them

hard to detect. This species was recorded nesting in 2013, the first record for Belum-Temengor. The

presence of these species in these areas provides certain possibility that they might also nest in

2014.


Field Updates

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 1: Plain-pouched Hornbill distribution range (Source: Birdlife International

www.birdlife.org)

Photo: Yeap Chin Aik/MNS

CONNECTING WITH OUR ASEAN NEIGHBOURS

34th Wildlife Seminar, Bangkok

Malaysian Nature Society (MNS) was invited by Dr. Vijak Chimchome (Kasetsart University/Thailand

Hornbill Project) to share our work and findings on the Plain-pouched Hornbills in Belum-Temengor

Forest Complex in the 34th Wildlife Seminar with the theme of “Wildlife Conservation with ASEAN

Conservation Community (ACC)” from 19-20 December 2013 in Kasetsart University, Bangkok. The

wildlife seminar has been (and continues to be) a long tradition of the university and held annually. The

theme for 2013 focused on ‘shared animal species’ between Thailand and her immediate neighbour

countries i.e. (Peninsular) Malaysia, Myanmar, Cambodia and (south) China. Presentations were

categorised into seven plenary sessions. Dr. Chimchome and MNS presented in a plenary entitled

“Conservation of Hornbills along Thai-Myanmar-Malaysian borders”. The seminar was well attended by

Thai university students, academicians and government agencies responsible for natural resource

management (e.g. wildlife, forest).

After the event, Dr. Pilai Poonswad organised small meeting among the Plain-pouched Hornbill range

countries (Figure 1) to discuss possible further collaboration and information exchange. We concluded

by agreeing to:

(1) continue to maintain communications,

(2) survey of breeding Plain-pouched Hornbills in southern Myanmar,

(3) continue to monitor Plain-pouched Hornbills in Belum-Temengor Forest Complex and

(4) possibility of producing joint technical paper on the status of the hornbill. The future survival of

these globally threatened hornbills, estimated to be only 7,000 mature individuals remaining, will

depend on how close the three range countries work together.

16

Communications, Education, Participation & Awareness (CEPA)



MNS HORNBILL VOLUNTEER PROGRAMME

Article and Photos by Jessie Kan Pei Shi

During my internship with the Malaysian Nature Society (MNS), I joined the MNS Hornbill Volunteer

Programme in the Belum–Temengor Forest Complex, Perak. I joined this programme as a helper

on the first week for 7 days and as a volunteer in the second week for 5 days and 4 nights. We were

there to assist MNS to monitor the Plain-pouched Hornbill as part of its conservation effort to

conduct daily flight census. This count was conducted twice a day, once in the morning and once in

the evening. This information offers valuable information on the estimated population number which

will be used to advocate for the conservation of Belum-Temengor.

We settled down in the bamboo hut built by Orang Asli at Kampong Tebang, just beside the

Temengor lake. Every morning and evening, we counted Plain-pouched Hornbill. The Plain-pouched

Hornbill flew in a large flock either in a V- or U-shape formation. I was exposed to the proper way

in using and cleaning the binoculars and the counting methods.

Due to the lack of piping system, we used lake water for toiletry and washing purposes while water

from the nearby stream was used for drinking and cooking.

The Tebang villagers visited us and had tea together in our house, while sharing their experiences

and culture with us. It was an eye-opening opportunity to get to know more about the mystery

The bamboo hut for volunteers in

Kampung Tebang (above), the

volunteer herself fetching water from

the lake (right).


HCP Update No. 6 December 2013 –June 2014 18

behind the life of Orang Asli during the visit of Kampung Tebang’s Tok Batin. The women and

children also visited us and brought us some fruits and fishes. I had a great time chatting with

them. The women also taught me how to fish with a traditional fishing rod made from palm tree.

They used a small fishing net to trap little shrimp as bait, and fished with the long and slim rod. I

failed to catch any but a kind lady gave us some fishes for dinner. During the evening counts, kids

in the village came and played near us. They started to be friends with us despite being very shy to

outsiders.

Beside the bird count, we had other activities during the free time. Orang Asli showed us their

cooking method and demonstrated the use of blowpipe. We also took a short hike to the village

trail to search for birds. We saw many species of birds such as Green-billed Malkoha, Black-

thighed Falconet, White-bellied Sea- Eagle, Long-tailed Broadbill and many more.

Clockwise: Orang Asli children playing

near the volunteers’ hut. Cooking

demonstration. Blowpipe

demonstration.



In addition, we also had a picnic at the Kiroi Waterfall.

We hiked up the waterfall to search for Rafflesia, but

the Rafflesia was still in bud form and had not bloom

yet. I also learnt to cook Indian cuisine from the camp

coordinator Madam Pasu. We were encouraged to

cook lunch and dinner ourselves. We had lots of fun

cooking and doing chores together.

At night, we do not have activities as it was too dark

outside but we managed to see lots of fireflies flying

around the hut. The scene was so breathtaking.

Lastly, I enjoyed the MNS Hornbill Volunteer Program,

which also aid in the conservation of the Belum-

Temengor Forest Complex. I realized that the

research and monitoring activities are crucial in helping

to conserve a site(s), the count can be used to

advocate for protection with the authorities. By

involving the public as volunteers and “citizen

scientist”, they are able to assist MNS in its monitoring

activities, but also help to increase the awareness on

the importance of forests to wildlife and the Orang Asli.

I really had a eye-opening experience. My time in

Belum-Temengor will be a great and usefull experience

for me to proceed in the road of conservation.

Top to bottom: Rafflesia bud.

Volunteers counting hornbills.

A flock of Plain-pouched Hornbill in V-

shaped formation.


Photo: Yeap Chin Aik/MNSHCP Update No. 6 December 2013 - June 2014 20

EDUCATING OUR NEXT GENERATION

Education/awareness activities for schools took a breather for two months (January-February) as

the new school session kicked in and they were busy with the new enrolments, etc.

A hornbill camp was recently organised from 23-25th March in Pulau Tali Kail, Temengor. A total of

65 students, 8 teachers and 6 student facilitators took part. The participants took part in several

activities such as night walks, hornbill talks and spotting, visiting the Orang Asli community of

Kumpung Chuweh and many others.

The list of participating schools were:

SMJK Chung Hwa Confucian, Penang SMK Jelutong, Penang

SMK Permatang Pasir, Penang SMK Seri Balik Pulau, Penang

SMK Guar Perahu , Penang SMK Batu Kawan, Penang

SMK Batu Maung, Penang SMK Convent Pulau Tikus, Penang

SMK Methodist ACS, Melaka SMK Tinggi Melaka

SMK Infant Jesus, Melaka SMK Telok Mas, Melaka

SMK Gajah Berang, Melaka SMK Bukit Katil, Melaka

SMK St. Francis, Melaka SMK Munsyi Abdullah, Melaka

SMK Klebang Besar, Melaka SMK St. David, Melaka

SMK (P) Methodist, Melaka SMK Tun Tijah, Melaka

SMK Lubok China, Melaka SMK Darul Ehsan, Selangor

In May, the team was able to reach out to more than 20 schools in two programmes.

Venue: SK Seri Ampang Muda (in conjunction with Perkhemahan Pengakap Daerah Baling, Sik)

Date: 17th May 2014. Participants: 102 students, 13 teachers (excluding MNS staff educators)

SK Kalai SK Sik

SK Teloi Tua SK Seri Dusun

SK Gulau SMK Gulau

SMKA Sik SK Kota Bukit

SK Seri Ampang Muda



Venue: SMK KK9 RPS Pos Betau (in conjunction with Kem Pendidikan Biodiversiti Orang Asal)

Date: 29-30 May 2014. Participants: 156 students, 20 teachers (excluding MNS staff educators)

SMK KK9 Pos Betau, Pahang SK (P) Methodist Kuantan, Pahang

SMK Tiang Chandi, Kelantan SK LKTP Mempaga 2, Pahang

SMK Jeram, Selangor SM Sains Tengku Abdullah, Pahang

SJK(C) EK TE, Melaka SMK Rantau Panjang, Selangor

SMK (LKTP) Kg Sertik, Pahang SMK Sungai Kapar Indah, Selangor

SISP SMK Seri Bentong, Pahang SMK Dewan Beta, Kelantan

SMK Tekek, Pahang SMK Klebang Besar, Melaka

SMK Seri Bentong, Pahang SK Kuala Jengal, Terengganu

SMK Lurah Bilut, Pahang SMJK Pei Hwa, Johor

SMK (P) Methodist Raub, Pahang SK Tanah Rata, Pahang


In early 2014,

Muhammad McAfee, a

nature guide at the

resort spotted a pair of

Oriental Pied Hornbills

exploring a natural

cavity in a mature tree

amongst the hotel

chalets. In late

February, the female

began sealing herself

inside the nest. By late

March the young chicks

could be heard inside

the nest when the male

approached with food.

By May the adult

female together with

two young chicks had

left the nest.


Local News

HOME OF THE HORNBILL - LAKE KENYIR RESORT

Article and Photos by Anuar McAfee

Tasik Kenyir, situated some 60 km inland from Kuala Terengganu is the largest man-made lake in southeast

Asia. It is surrounded by healthy forest reserves where 290 species of birds have been recorded. The main

entry point to explore Tasik Kenyir is Pengkalan Gawi. It is here that Lake Kenyir Resort, the largest hotel in

the area, is located. The resort brands itself as being ‘Home of the Hornbills’. Most of the 9 species of

hornbills recorded at Kenyir have been sighted in the resort itself.

The nesting hornbill is evidence that the resort is indeed ‘home of the hornbills’. The resort offers

enough security and peace for the birds to breed, allowing guests a chance to see one of the truly

remarkable nesting habits of the avian world.

Oriental Pied Hornbills are common at the resort, with groups of up to 30 or more individuals being seen

with ease. The Great Hornbill is another species that can be sighted almost daily there. Other hornbill

species seen passing through the resort include Black, Helmeted, Bushy Crested, Wrinkled, Wreathed,

and Rhinoceros Hornbill.

Just outside the resort entrance a second Oriental Pied Hornbill nest was discovered in April, 2014. The

nest cavity is located in a small round opening approximately 4m from the ground in what is thought to

be a Petai tree. The tree is located right beside one of the roads leading to Gawi Jetty, Kenyir, at a

small junction. The nest cavity faces the road and is exposed to traffic.

When first observed in April, the area was quiet, with little traffic or disturbance. The male hornbill would

approach the nest from the thick growth away from the road, and only visit the nest itself when the road

was totally free of passing traffic. The male would perch above the nest cavity and pass food down into

the nest.

Oriental Pied Hornbill nest in the resort area.

Beginning early May 2014, a month long festival was held at Gawi Jetty, Kenyir. All traffic entering the

area was rerouted along the road passing next to the hornbill nest. In addition, a 24 hour security post

was set up at the junction just meters from the hornbill nest. Throughout the month long event, heavy

traffic and human presence was constant. As a result the hornbill modified its feeding position enabling

it to continue to visit the nest on a regular basis. Now with the increased traffic and guards on duty, the

male hornbill no longer perched on its previous exposed position above the cavity. Instead, it would

land on the side of the tree away from the guard post, and pass food around and into the cavity.

Unfortunately, with all the activity along this once quiet road, the nest was disturbed. Just days before

fledging was expected, a makeshift ladder was used to reach the cavity, hack open the nest and

remove the young birds inside.


Local News

Above: The second Oriental Pied Hornbill nest

outside the resort.

Left: Nest raided

Below: Nest site at junction with 24 hour guard and

traffic.

PROTECTING HORNBILLS FROM TOTAL WIPEOUT

HORNBILLS (bucerotidae) have many ornithological admirers – with their long eyelashes (modified

feathers), dark eyes and an almost comically large, curved bill.

They range from the size of a pigeon to a large bird with a 1.8m wingspan. You can easily pick out

hornbills from other birds by a special body part atop their bill called casque.

Hornbills have long tails, broad wings and white and black, brown, or gray feathers. This contrasts

with the brightly coloured necks, faces, bills, and casques in many species. Females and males of ten

have different coloured faces and eyes.

I had seen a hornbill – possibly from the Oriental-pied species – flying above Logan Bunut Lake in

Lawas while I was making a boat tour around the lake in 2010.

Actually, it’s not uncommon to find hornbills in the forests or see them winging across the land in

search of food or back to roost in the hollowed out part of a tree trunk.

There are 10 hornbill species in Malaysia, eight of which are found in Sarawak, according to Sarawak

Forestry Corporation (SFC). The two species found in the peninsula are Plain-pouch and Great

Hornbills while the eight indigenous to Sarawak are Oriental Pied Hornbill (anthracoceros albirostris),

Black Hornbill (anthracoceros malayanus), Bushy-crested Hornbill (anorrhinus galeritus), White-

crowned (crested) Hornbill (berenicornis comatus), Rhinoceros Hornbill (buceros rhinoceros),

Helmeted Hornbill (Rhinoplax vigil), Wrinkled Hornbill (aceros corrugatus) and wreathed Hornbill

(aceros undulatus).

Sarawak is known as the Land of Hornbills because these birds can be found in most parts of the

state. The Black Hornbill is the most common while the Rhinoceros Hornbill is the largest of the

bucerotidae family in Sarawak. An adult Rhinoceros Hornbill is about the size of a swan – 91-122cm

long and weighing two to three kilogrammes. It is found in lowlands and montane, tropical and

subtropical regions, and mountain rainforests up to an altitude of 1,400 metres in Borneo, Sumatra,

Java, the Malay Peninsula, Singapore and southern Thailand. It can live in captivity up to 90 years.

State bird of Sarawak

The Rhinoceros Hornbill is the state bird of Sarawak. For some Dayaks, especially the Ibans, the

hornbill represents the chief of worldly birds or the supreme worldly bird, and its statue is used

to welcome Sengalang Burong, the god of the augural birds, to the feast and celebration of

humankind.

The Rhinoceros Hornbill is noted for the loud ‘whooshing’ sound of its huge wings and the rasping

harshness of its haunting call. Today, it still enjoys the exalted status as the Sarawak state emblem.

But is Sarawak still truly the Land of Hornbills?

Widespread logging and poaching are allegedly threatening to push some of the popular species to

the brink of extinction in the forests of Borneo. Moreover, hornbills are reportedly also hunted for food.

The Jakarta Post (November 2012) reported that hornbill body parts had been smuggled out of

Kalimantan, Indonesia. As many as 285 bills from enggang gading (Helmeted Hornbill) were

confiscated in smuggling attempts foiled by the Natural Resources Conservation Center (BKSDA) of

West Kalimantan.


Local News

Describing the seizure as “unusually large,” the Centre said this had, without doubt, resulted in a

reduction of the male hornbill population in the area. The casques, bound for China, are processed

into objects of art such as sword handles and other items. Middlemen buy them for between 1 million

rupiah (US$105) and 3 million rupiah a piece while the price can escalate on the international market,

the report said.

On borrowed time

It seems the hornbill is on borrowed time with hunting and habitat loss posing as major threats to a

potential wipeout of this particular avian species, not only in Sarawak but also other parts of the world

such as Thailand, Indonesia, India, Africa and the Philippines.

The Rhinoceros Hornbill population especially is under a cloud, being a much sought after hunting

and poaching target. According to native folklore, this species holds mythical powers. When offered

for sacrifice, its yellow-orange beak slightly curved out shape is taken out, and when carved and worn

as a necklace, possesses the power to “control other people.” The feathers are used for traditional

costumes or some kind of ornaments to be hung on a warrior’s weapon such as spear, blowpipe,

wooden shield and machete. Such weapons, it is believed, have magical powers to invoke durability,

tenacity and courage during a battle. The traditional costumes and talismans are preserved from

generation to generation and used only during the grandest occasions such as marriages and other

auspicious festivities.

To conserve the species, the WildLife Protection Ordinance, 1998, has classified the hornbill as totally

protected. A totally protected species is defined as one in danger of extinction due to hunting and

habitat destruction. Section 29 of the Ordinance metes out the penalty of a maximum RM25,000 fine

and two years’ imprisonment for keeping hornbills as pets, killing, hunting, capturing, selling, trading

or disturbing them, or possessing any recognisable hornbill parts.

According to SFC, the most recent incident of hornbill-related offence was the well-publicised

poaching of the Oriental Pied Hornbill named Faridah in Miri. A 20-year-old man was jailed three

months and fined RM20,000 in connection with the case.


Local News

The Rhinoceros hornbill enjoys an exalted status as the Sarawak state emblem. — Photo courtesy of

SFC.


Local News

No specific data

SFC chief executive officer Datu Ali Yusop said in

Sarawak, hornbills could be seen in most totally protected

areas such as Similajau National Park, Santubong National

Park, Tanjung Datu National Park, Gunung Gading

National Park. Other areas where they can commonly be

spotted include Gunong Mulu National Park, Pulong Tau

National Park and Lanjak Entimau Wildlife Sanctuary.

However, Ali, said there is presently no specific data on

hornbill population in Sarawak. “We are still in the early

stages of a population survey although information on the

distribution of the eight species is available and a database

is being developed. “Now, we can’t tell you exactly

whether the population of any of the species is declining

but none of the eight species is extinct and we are

earnestly intensifying efforts to ensure their habitats are

well protected,” he assured.

Ali said threats to hornbill existence may be due to loss of

habitat and deforestation, lack of food source as well as

nesting sites. He stressed habitat loss posed a severe

threat to hornbills since they only used large tree cavities

for nesting – for example the dipterocarpus species, one of

the most valuable timber types in Sarawak. “Hornbills are

also dependent on the forests for their food source. Most

are dependent on primary forests and only two species – the Black and Oriental Pied Hornbills – can

be found in disturbed areas such as at the proposed Piasau Nature Reserve in Miri,” he added.

Ali said there were many ways to save hornbills, adding that with available data, conservation was

not only about protecting the species, but also their habitats. However, he pointed out that all these

required funds and other resources. He said hornbill habitats must be protected through land

gazettement while population survey and monitoring should be conducted from time to time.

“Donations to buy artificial nesting boxes are also needed.”

On conservation, Ali said SFC had taken proactive action, including gazettement of Piasau Camp as

a Nature reserve-urban park for a population of Oriental Pied Hornbills nesting there; setting up of

Fig Garden at Kubah National Park (habitat enhancement) and conducting a population survey.

He disclosed a five-year programme had been drawn up, encompassing studies on hornbills in the

totally protected areas of western Sarawak. “We are yet to see the effectiveness of our initiatives as

holistic population surveys have not to be conducted. But at least, these steps are useful for hornbill

conservation – in particular, the species involved.

“As for Piasau Camp, the public must have heightened awareness of hornbills to portray their love

for Nature which, in return, will benefit the long-term survival of the species,” he said. Hornbills are

primarily frugivorous, eating a variety of fruits, with figs being predominant in their diet. They also eat

a variety of animal prey.

– Rintos Mail, [email protected](Source: http://www.theborneo post.com/2014/04/13/ protecting-hornbills-from-total-wipeout/)

mailto:[email protected]


Local News

Oriental Pied Hornbill male (holding a cricket)

visited a neighbour at Teluk Intan, Perak –Sin

Chew Daily 1 Apr 2014


PHOTO OF HUNTER WITH DEAD HORNBILL

SPARKS ONLINE OUTRAGE

A photo of a man holding up a dead hornbill he shot has sparked online outrage about the frequent

killings of threatened and endangered birds in the country.

The image, posted on the Wild Bird Club Philippines (WBCP) Facebook page on March 31, shows

the hunter holding up the bird by its claws, the rifle that he used to shoot it slung across his body.

According to WBCP president Mike Lu, who shared the photo, it was taken by his friends who "went

birdwatching" in Adams, Ilocos Norte and "were thrilled to see a family of Rufous Hornbills.”

The hornbill in the photo was "juvenile (bill is not red yet)," he added in the caption.

As of this posting, the photo has been shared 1,074 times on the social networking site.


Regional News

This photograph of a hunter holding up a dead rufous hornbill in Ilocos Norte has ruffled the

feathers of local conservationists. The hornbill, also known as "kalaw," is endemic to the

Philippines and is listed on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List as

a "near threatened" species. Wild Bird Club of the Philippines


The following day, the WBCP said: "Our contact confirmed that the hunter...is the son-in-law of the

vice mayor and that his father is a councilor! ... His father is pleading to give his son a second

chance."

A separate report from the Philippine Daily Inquirer on April 4 identified the man in the photograph

as Mikel Dato, son of town councilor Julian Dato and the son-in-law of Adams vice mayor Wagner

Poking.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) sent a team to look into the matter,

the report added, though a formal complaint has yet to be filed.

The rufous hornbill is endemic to the Philippines and known locally as "kalaw". The International

Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists it as a “near-threatened” species, "as it is suspected to

be declining moderately rapidly throughout its range as a result of habitat loss and persecution by

hunters and trappers."

In an interview with GMA News Online, Lu said the birdwatchers, including two foreigners, were

asked by the DENR to submit an affidavit on the incident, to be used in filing the complaint.

The WBCP met with the Biodiversity Management Bureau (formerly the Protected Areas and

Wildlife Bureau) last week to discuss the incident, as well as ways to further the government's

information campaign on wildlife matters, Lu added.

In November last year, the daughter of former Ilocos Sur Governor Luis "Chavit" Singson posted

pictures of herself and her father with wild ducks they shot, saying in a post that they had gone

hunting "somewhere in Ilocos." The Wild Bird Club of the Philippines decried the Singsons' actions,

saying that wild duck hunting is illegal in the Philippines. Singson's daughter, Richelle Singson-

Michael, later claimed that the photos were “not taken in the Phillippines.”

In an administrative order late last year, the DENR declared a dipterocarp forest in Adams “a critical

habitat for wildlife species.” — Rose-An Jessica Dioquino/BM, GMA News. 7 Apr 2014. (Source: http://www.gmanetwork.com)


Regional News


KALIMANTAN’S ICON

ON THE BRINK OF EXTINCTION

In the two weeks around the end of August, there were two attempts to smuggle hundreds of body parts

of hornbills out of the country. The bird is West Kalimantan’s mascot and included in Appendix 1 (most

endangered) of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).

As many as 285 bills from enggang gading or helmeted hornbills were confiscated in the smuggling

attempts, which were foiled by the Natural Resources Conservation Centre (BKSDA) of West

Kalimantan. The centre described the number as unusually large, and has doubtless caused a reduction

in the male hornbill population.

The birds’ casques, bound for China, are processed into objects of “art” like sword handles and other

items. Middlemen buy them for between Rp 1 million (US$105) and Rp 3 million a piece, while on the

international market the price will multiply.

Helmeted hornbills (Buceros/Rhinoplax Vigil), often called rangkong in Indonesian, are one of the eight

hornbill species in Kalimantan. This species can also be found in Sumatra. It is a large bird, up to 120

cm long including its tail, with an average body weight over 3 kilograms. Mostly black, it has a white belly

and a white tail with a black stripe at its extremity. Helmeted hornbills are adorned with fairly long pairs

of mid-tail feathers, making them look very attractive in flight. They feed on the fruit of banyan and palm

trees, besides insects, mice, lizards and small birds.

They live in pairs rather than flocks, and the female only lays one to two eggs, usually with only one

hatching, which leads to very slow reproduction. They build nests in naturally formed tree holes that are

hard to reach. While incubating, the female hornbills is completely incarcerated in the nest hole which is

sealed with mud by the male, leaving only a small crack to supply food. Distinctively, if the female dies,

male helmeted hornbills rarely seek new mates, which again contributes to slow population growth.

An adult male helmeted hornbill has a horny, maroon casque (or crown) weighing about 1 kilogram,

made of solid keratin. This is his curse. The material is known as hornbill ivory or “golden jade”, and it is

why people want to kill them.

Rangkong’s impressive and distinctive physical features have put it in a both a dangerous and

prestigious position. He has inspired countries, regions and institutions.

The helmeted hornbill serves as the coat of arms of the Malaysian State of Sarawak. Enggang gading is

the seal of Central Kalimantan province, and is the mascot of West Kalimantan. Lambung Mangkurat

University in South Kalimantan and Palangkaraya University in Central Kalimantan use rangkong as

their symbol. In Southern India, the Naga Tribe has a special festival to honour hornbills.

In daily life helmeted hornbills are admired by the Dayak in Kalimantan, for the lessons the community

can learn from the behaviour of the species. Using many different reverencial names for the birds, the

Dayak have many myths and legends in which hornbills are envoys of the gods with the task of

conveying divine messages.

In their beliefs, the birds give living examples of fidelity to a spouse and responsibility for family life. The

Dayak teach their children not to hurt or kill the sacred birds. Such deeds are taboo.


Regional News


The position of enggang gading is illustrated in Dayak carving and art, particularly that of Dayak

Iban, Ngaju and Kayaan Kenyah sub-groups. Kaharingan (Dayak religion) which places the birds

atop the pyramid of being, in the realm of gods, with other creatures and men below them, and

mythical animals like dragons at the base.

The birds have also inspired various craft products, songs, icons and patterns of clothing, especially

as reflected in the images of Kalimantan batik.

Leonardus Dungo, 42, an artist in Pontianak, said the use of body parts from the helmeted hornbills

like tail feathers, wings and beaks by certain individuals was indicative of their social position and

status. Today their use for this purpose is rare except in customary rituals.

Some Dayak use the feathers and beaks of hornbills that have died naturally, usually after the birds

have fought with each other. In recent years the community has avoided using genuine hornbill body

parts as clothing accessories due to the increasing awareness of the birds’ shrinking numbers.

Dungo deplores the hunting of helmeted hornbills for their beaks or casques that threatens the birds

with extinction. He called on the provincial BKSDA to take proactive action by intensifying its

operation against hornbill hunting.

Napa J. Awat, 74, former rector of Palangkaraya University, says smuggling of hornbill casques

reflects the situation in Kalimantan with its diverse issues. “Development today is inconsistent with

the aim of regional autonomy. The people go hunting not as a hobby, but for survival.”

It is now very hard to find the birds in nature. Their remaining habitat in West Kalimantan, such as in

Betung Kerihun National Park, Bukit Raya — Bukit Baka National Park, Gunung Palung National

Park and Mount Niut Nature Reserve, has been reduced by forest destruction and the ceaseless

expansion of monoculture estates, mainly for palm oil.

It is very important to start a movement for the protection of this near extinct bird. Social

organizations like the Dayak Custom Communal Council (DAD) must be engaged in the campaign.

Boby Arya Anggen Umar, 37, a youth activist in Palangkaraya, said “DAD must work with the local

government. They need funds for their campaigns and they need to end the killing of these birds.

The government is either for us, or against us.”

According to Boby, DAD it is a matter of NGOs, activists and academics, working together to arouse

public sentiment and make people understand the significance of protecting helmeted hornbills. The

bird is a cultural and social icon, an inspirational source of Dayak culture.

Apart from hunting, population decline is caused by environmental degradation and habitat damage.

Forest Watch Indonesia in its 2011 report said the forest destruction in Kalimantan during 2000–

2009 was over 36 percent, higher than any other island in Indonesia.

-- Bambang Bider, Contributor, Pontianak. 13 Nov 2012. (Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com)


Regional News


Regional News

HORNBILL NEST ADOPTION PROGRAM

Saving hornbill homes

Adopt hornbill nests and help protect threatened hornbill nests

and habitats in Arunachal Pradesh

The Pakke Wildlife Sanctuary & Tiger Reserve in western Arunachal Pradesh is a haven for four

species of hornbills in a region where hunting for various body parts, and habitat loss seriously

threaten these birds. Since 2003, Pakke is well-protected due to the efforts of the Arunachal

Pradesh Forest Department. NCF has a long-term hornbill nest and monitoring program in Pakke

since 2003 where 30-40 hornbill nests were monitored each year in the park. However, the last

two decades has seen rapid loss of the lowland forests outside Pakke, which is crucial nesting

habitat for hornbills. This loss has mainly occurred in adjoining Assam, but the Papum Reserve

Forest (1000 km2), which adjoins Pakke, which has, over the years, seen forest loss along with

areas in adjoining Assam. Northern parts of Papum still harbour dense forests.

There was a need to ensure conservation of hornbill habitats outside and expand the protection

and monitoring effort to areas outside the park. The best way to do this was to seek the

participation of the Nyishi community who had banned hunting of hornbills. The Ghora-Aabhe (a

local NGO formed by Nyishi village headmen for promoting conservation around Pakke) had

been formed in 2006 with the support of the park management to help protection efforts. This led

to the expansion of the programme in 2011 of hornbill nest monitoring and protection and sought

the participation of the Nyishi community around Pakke who had banned hornbill hunting.

A three-way partnership between the Ghora-Aabhe Society, the Arunachal Pradesh Forest

Department and the Nature Conservation Foundation led to the creation of the Hornbill Nest

Adoption Program and an agreement has been made to protect hornbill nests. Nine villages along

the southern boundary of Pakke are currently participating with 12 nest protectors, who find,

monitor and protect nests of four hornbill species. Some of them are village headmen and former

hunters.

The idea was to engage and bring together two sets of distant people united by the common

desire to conserve; local and urban. The local community contributes by searching for, monitoring

and protecting nests in the forests around their villages, while the urban community contributes by

supporting the program financially and assisting as volunteers and coming as visitors.

A unique aspect of this program is that financial support is

coming from urban citizens in different parts of India.

They act as foster parents by adopting hornbill nests,

while local people look after the nests to ensure they are

not disturbed and that nest trees are not cut down.

Concerned individuals adopt a hornbill nest at a cost (Rs.

5,000). They can also choose to adopt more nests or give

a larger amount. They, in turn, receive information about

the status of the nests and what happened to the hornbills

that nested in a given year.

About 100 people have adopted nests, with most

continuing their support every year. The Greater

Vancouver Zoo, Canada, has also supported the program

in 2013.

In 2013, 26 nests were found in the Papum Rainforest. Of

these 12 were active (five Great, six Oriental Pied, and

one Wreathed) and 11 successful, resulting in a nesting

success rate of 91%.

The money is used to sustain the program and pay the

salaries of nest protectors, and provide some funds for

community development and welfare.


Regional News

A hornbill nest protector

Source: Hornbill Watch, India http://www.hornbills.in/index.php,

Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/pages/Hornbill-Conservation-Program-NE-

India/368922073135257

http://www.hornbills.in/index.php

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Hornbill-Conservation-Program-NE-India/368922073135257

Update on the hornbill nesting progress in Pakke Wildlife Sanctuary, North-East India:


Regional News

Peninsular Malaysia

December 2013-June 2014

Bushy-crested Hornbill Anorrhinus galeritus

• 3 at Fraser's Hill old road, Selangor. 6 Feb 2014 (David Bakewell)

• 1 at Fraser’s Hill, Pahang. 3 Mar 2014 (Sylvain Megy et al)

• 2 at Gunung Tampin Recreational Forest, Negeri Sembilan. 9 Mar 2014 (Sylvain Megy et al)

• Heard at Bukit Larut (Maxwell's Hill), Perak. 30 Mar 2014 (Tan Choo Eng)

• Heard at Hutan Lipur Sungai Sedim, Gunung Inas Forest Reserve, Kedah. 5 Mar 2014 (Choy Wai

Mun)

• Heard at Berjaya Hills, Bukit Tinggi, Pahang. 9 May 2014 (Yang Chong)

Oriental Pied Hornbill Anthracoceros albirostris

• Desaru, Johor. 16 Dec 2013 (Lavanya Prakash)

• Gunung Raya, Pulau Langkawi, Kedah. 14 Dec 2013 (David Bakewell et al)

• 2 in flight at Malim Nawar wetlands/ex-mining ponds, Perak. 27 Dec 2013 (Tou Jing Yi et al)

• 1 at Sekinchan ricefields, Selangor. 5 Jan 2014 (Chin Choong Liung et al)

• 2 at Malim Nawar wetlands/ex-mining ponds, Perak. 18 Jan 2014 (Choy Wai Mun et al)

• 1 at North Selangor Peat Swamp Forest, near Tanjung Karang, Selangor. 19 Jan 2014 (Tang Tuck

Hong et al)

• Heard at Kampung Temakah, Perak. 3 Feb 2014 (Tang Tuck Hong et al)

• Forestry Department boardwalk, Kuala Sepetang, Perak. 16 Feb 2014 (Ng Kok Keong)

• A male feeding on MacArthur palm at Lake Kenyir Resort Taman Negara, Terenganu. 19 Feb 2014

(Anuar McAfee) (Figure 1)


Hornbill Records in Malaysia

Figure 1

• Bukit Melawati, Kuala Selangor, Selangor . 1 Mar 2014 (Sylvain Megy et al)

• Jalan Parit satu - Sungai Tengi - Jalan Setanjung, Kuala Selangor, Selangor. 1 Mar 2014 (Sylvain

Megy et al)

• National Botanical Garden, Shah Alam . 6 Apr 2014 (Chin Choong Liung et al)

• 2 in flight at Bagan Dalam. 14 Apr 2014 (Colm O Caomhanaigh)

• 2 heard at Bunker Track, Panti Forest Reserve, Johor. 19 Apr 14 (Tan Kok Hui et al)

• 2 at Kilim, Pulau Langkawi, Kedah. 16 Jun 2014. (Lim Bing Yee)

• 1 in flight at Gunung Raya, Pulau Langkawi, Kedah. 17&21 Jun 2014 (Lim Bing Yee et al)

• 1 in flight at Bon Ton Restaurant, Pulau Langkawi, Kedah. 18 Jun 2014 (Lim Bing Yee et al)

• Temoyong village, Pulau Langkawi, Kedah. 21 Jun 2014 (Lim Bing Yee)

• 1 heard at Taman Negara National Park (Hejia), Pahang. 22 Jun 2014 (Tan Kok Hui et al)

• 4 at Kuala Koh, Taman Negara National Park, Kelantan. 26 Jun 2014 (Tan Kok Hui et al)

• 6 at Tasik Kenyir, Terengganu. 28 Jun 2014 (Tan Kok Hui et al

Black Hornbill Anthracoceros malayanus

• Heard 1 at Fraser's Hill old road, Selangor. 5 Feb 2014 (David Bakewell)

• Heard at Bunker Track, Panti Forest Reserve, Johor . 22 Feb 2014 (Tan Choo Eng et al)

• Jalan Parit satu - Sungai Tengi - Jalan Setanjung, Kuala Selangor, Selangor. 1 Mar 2014 (Sylvain

Megy et al)

• 1 at Panti Forest Reserve, Johor. 24 May & 7 Jun 2014 (Tan Kok Hui et al)

• 1 feeding at Bunker Track, Panti Forest Reserve, Johor. 31 May 2014 (Tan Kok Hui)

• 1 seen preening at FELDA Bukit Ramun, Kota Tinggi, Johor. 14 Jun 2014 (Sirhana Majri)

• 1 seen perched and vocalising at FRIM research station, Pasoh Forest Reserve, Negeri Sembilan.

On the second day seen hawking for insects. 14&15 Jun 2014 (Mark Ng et al)

Rhinoceros Hornbill Buceros rhinoceros

• Japanese Garden, Bukit Tinggi, Pahang. 9 Dec 2013. (Choy Wai Mun et al)

• 2 at Sungei Sedim Forest Reserve, Kedah. 14 Dec 2013. (Choy Wai Mun et al)

• 1 at Japanese Garden, Bukit Tinggi, Pahang. 11 Feb 2014 (Ronnie Ooi)

• 2 heard at Bunker Track, Panti Forest Reserve, Johor. 22 Feb 2014. (Tan Choo Eng)

• 1 seen in flight at Hutan Lipur Sungai Sedim, Gunung Inas Forest Reserve, Kedah. 1 Mar 2014.

(Choy Wai Mun et al)

• Sungai Sedim, Kedah. 1 Mar 2014 (Choy Wai Mun)

• 1 heard at Hutan Lipur Sungai Sedim, Gunung Inas Forest Reserve, Kedah. 15 Mar 2014 (Choy Wai

Mun et al)

• 2 at Sungei Sedim Forest Reserve, Kedah. 22 Mar 2014 (Tan Choo Eng et al)

• Bukit Larut (Maxwell's Hill), Perak. 29 Mar 2014 (Penang Branch Trip)

• Heard at Sungei Sedim Forest Reserve, Kedah. (Tan Choo Eng)

• 1 heard at Berjaya Hills, Bukit Tinggi, Pahang. 9 May 2014 (Yang Chong et al)

• Heard at Gerik/Kupang access, Bintang Hijau Forest Reserve, Perak. 10 May 2014 (Choy Wai Mun

et al)

• Ulu Paip Forest Reserve, Kedah. 13 May 2014 (Colm O Caomhanaigh)

• Heard at Berjaya Hills, Bukit Tinggi, Pahang. 23 May 2014 (Lim Bing Yee)

• 2 at Taman Negara National Park (Merapoh), Pahang. 22 Jun 2014 (Kok Hui Tan et al)

• 1 at Taman Negara National Park (Kuala Tahan), Pahang. 28 Jun 2014 (Ang Teck Hin et al)

Great Hornbill Buceros bicornis

• 2 in flight at Awana pumphouse road, Genting Highlands, Pahang. 29 Dec 2013 (Tang Tuck Hong)

• The Gap (Lower Gate), Fraser Hill, Hulu Selangor, Selangor. 31 Dec 2013 (Frolena Kumar)



• Mata Ayer Forest Reserve, Perlis State Park (Wang Kelian State Park), Perlis. 19 Feb 2014 (David

Bakewell et al)

• 2 at Bukit Wang Recreational Forest, Jitra, Kedah. 20 Feb 2014 (David Bakewell et al)

• Ajil, Terengganu. 3 Mar 2014 (Zul Ya)

• Nesting at Langkawi, Kedah. 21 Mar 2014 (Andy Lee) (Figure 2)

• 1 breeding individual at Bukit Larut (Maxwell's Hill), Perak. 29 Mar 2014 (Penang Branch Trip)

• Gunung Raya, Pulau Langkawi, Kedah. 17-29, 21 Jun 2014 (Lim Bing Yee et al)

Helmeted Hornbill Rhinoplax vigil

• Japanese Garden, Bukit Tinggi, Pahang. 6&9 Dec 2013 (James Eaton et al)

• 1 heard at Hutan Lipur Sungai Sedim, Gunung Inas Forest Reserve, Kedah. 1& 15 Mar 2014

(Choy Wai Mun et al)

• Heard at Bukit Larut (Maxwell's Hill), Perak. 29 Mar 2014 (Penang Branch Trip)

• 1 at Japanese Garden, Bukit Tinggi, Pahang. 6 Apr 2014 (James Eaton et al)

• Heard at Hutan Lipur Sungai Sedim, Gunung Inas Forest Reserve, Kedah. 5 Mar 2014 (Choy Wai

Mun et al)

• Heard at Kuala Tahan, Taman Negara National Park (Kuala Tahan), Pahang. 5 Oct 2014 (Rosli

Omar)

• 1 heard at Taman Negara National Park (Merapoh), Pahang. 22 Jun 2014 (Kok Hui Tan et al)

• 1 in flight at Hutan Lipur Sungai Sedim, Gunung Inas Forest Reserve, Kedah. 28 Jun 2014 (Choy

Wai Mun)

Wreathed Hornbill Aceros undulatus

• 2 in flight at Kampung Kisap, Pulau Langkawi, Kedah. 14 Dec 2013 (David Bakewell et al)

• A pair at Awana pumphouse road, Genting Highlands, Pahang. 19 Dec 2013 (Tang Tuck Hong et

al)

• 4 in flight at Kampung Temakah, Perak. 3 Feb 2014 (Tang Tuck Hong et al)



Figure 2

• 3 at Bukit Wang Recreational Forest, Jitra, Kedah. 20 Feb 2014 (David Bakewell et al)

• 2 in flight at Hutan Lipur Sungai Sedim, Gunung Inas Forest Reserve, Kedah. 1 Mar 2014 (Choy

Wai Mun et al)

• Sungai Sedim, Kedah. 1&5 Mar 2014 (Choy Wai Mun et al)

• 3 at Bukit Larut (Maxwell's Hill), Perak. 29 & 30 Mar 2014 (Penang Branch Trip)

• 2 at Japanese Garden, Bukit Tinggi, Pahang. 6 Apr 2014 (James Eaton et al)

• 1 at Berjaya Hills, Bukit Tinggi, Pahang. 9 May 2014 (Yang Chong et al)

• 1 at Panti Forest Reserve, Johor. 24 May 2014 (Kok Hui Tan et al)

• 1 at Awana pumphouse road, Genting Highlands, Pahang. 25 May 2014 (Yang Chong et al)

• Highest count of 50 at Gunung Raya, Pulau Langkawi, Kedah. 17,19&21 Jun 2014 (Lim Bing Yee

et al)

• 2 at Hutan Lipur Sungai Sedim, Gunung Inas Forest Reserve, Kedah. 28 Jun 2014 (Choy Wai

Mun)



East Malaysia


Bushy-crested Hornbill Anorrhinus galeritus

• Paya Maga, Lawas, Sarawak. 2-3, 6&7 Feb 2014 (Yeo Siew Teck et al)

• 6 at Sungai Kinabatangan, Sabah. 5&7 Apr 2014 (Selangor Bird Group trip)

• 3 at Rainforest Discovery Center, Sepilok, Sabah. 8 Apr 2014 (Selangor Bird Group trip)

Oriental Pied Hornbill Anthracoceros albirostris

• 40 at Sungai Kinabatangan, Sabah. 5-7 Apr 2014 (Selangor Bird Group trip)

• Heard call at Rainforest Discovery Center, Sepilok, Sabah. 8 Apr 2014 (Selangor Bird Group trip)

Black Hornbill Anthracoceros malayanus

• 3 at Sungai Kinabatangan, Sabah. 5-7 Apr 2014 (Selangor Bird Group trip)

• 2 at Rainforest Discovery Center, Sepilok, Sabah. 7 Apr 2014 (Selangor Bird Group trip)

Rhinoceros Hornbill Buceros rhinoceros

• 2 at Paya Maga, Lawas, Sarawak. 7 Feb, 2-3 Mar 2014 (Yeo Siew Teck)

• Bario, Kalabit Highlands, Sarawak. 7 Mar 2014 (Yeo Siew Teck)

• 2 at Sungai Kinabatangan, Sabah. 6 Apr 2014 (Selangor Bird Group trip)

Helmeted Hornbill Rhinoplax vigil

• Paya Maga, Lawas, Sarawak. 2&3 Mar 2014 (Yeo Siew Teck et al)

• Bario, Kalabit Highlands, Sarawak. 8 Mar 2014 (Yeo Siew Teck)

Wreathed Hornbill Aceros undulatus

• Paya Maga, Lawas, Sarawak. 3 Mar 2014 (Yeo Siew Teck et al)



Hornbill sightings in East Malaysia




Records were gathered from the Bird I-Witness (BIW) database

(http://birdlaa5.memset.net/worldbirds/malaysia.php?a=lo) , blogs, online forums and Facebook groups.

Map data © 2014 Google

Location with

Hornbill sightings

http://birdlaa5.memset.net/worldbirds/malaysia.php?a=lo

A male Rhinoceros Hornbill enticing the female with fruit to enter the tree hole to nest in Sungai Sedim.

Photo: Choy Wai Mun


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