Journal of Ecosystem & Ecography
Open Access

Abstract

Malabar Pied Hornbill (Anthracoceros coronatus) is categorized as Near Threatened by the IUCN red list data of threatened species and is one of the charismatic birds found in India. The population of Malabar Pied Hornbill is declining at an alarming rate because of the habitat destruction, even though they are commonly sighted in-between the forest area and human population. The present study area Shettihalli Wildlife Sanctuary is considered to be one of the most disturbed forests in Western Ghats and also it is an Important Bird Area by Bird Life International. There was a need to study the population of Malabar Pied Hornbill in this Sanctuary because of insufficient data. The comprehensive survey was very fruitful, as there were around 20 numbers of them roosting regularly in Shimoga range of the Shettihalli Wildlife Sanctuary. Nesting of these hornbills takes place by the end of February or early March. With more and steady conservation steps we can protect the declining population and also improve the forest habitat. Further studies in the remaining 2 ranges will be carried out in the next winter season.

Biography

Shrinivas K.R. has completed his M.Sc. in Wildlife & Management from Kuvempu University, Karnataka in 2011 and is planning to do doctoral research from the same university. He has presented many papers in national and international conferences. He has published a paper in an International Journal recently about the diversity of Birds with respect to the forest layers in the Baba Budan Hills. He is an avid birdwatcher and also photographer