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Extinct Hornbills Successfully Reintroduced, Breeding in Gir
14 Jul
Summary
- Indian Grey Hornbills, extinct in Gir since the 1960s, are now breeding.
- Forty hornbills were reintroduced in phases since 2021.
- Successful reintroduction serves as a model for future conservation efforts.
The Indian Grey Hornbill, once thought extinct in Gujarat's Gir forests, is making a significant comeback. Following a reintroduction initiative that began in 2021, the species has now established territories and successfully produced offspring, marking a major conservation milestone. The Gujarat forest department released 40 birds in two phases, with 28 in 2021-2022 and 12 in 2023.
Research published in the journal 'Birds' details the reintroduction program's progress. Satellite tracking revealed that hornbills initially explored wide areas, averaging 61 sq km home ranges, before settling into smaller territories of about 5.7 sq km. They showed a preference for dry mixed deciduous and teak forests, nesting in mature trees with large trunk girths.
Historical records indicate hunting, not habitat degradation, caused the hornbill's disappearance decades ago. Improvements in habitat protection since the 1960s and 70s created favorable conditions for their return. The successful breeding and adaptation of the hornbill population in Gir demonstrates the effectiveness of reintroduction strategies and could serve as a crucial model for future conservation endeavors in India.
