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The Helmeted Hornbill (Rhinoplax vigilis) is highly threatened by hunting pressure fueled by the value placed on its red casque, called �hornbill ivory� in the illegal wildlife trade. It is one of the most unusual hornbills, the only one with a strong casque. However, this is precisely the cause of its collapse. Its rapid decline as a consequence of extensive poaching has been partially fueled by the Chinese ban on commercial ivory sales in 2017. A single casque can cost more than USD 1,000 on the black market in China, a price five times higher than that for elephant ivory. The Helmeted Hornbill has been hunted for its casques in Borneo and traded with China for over a thousand years but in the last ten years, the species has come under new and unprecedented pressure from an exploding demand for casques which are in great demand as a material for carved jewelry and ornaments.
Photo on the left: Helmeted Hornbill carved casque confiscated. � USFWS. Photo of the right: A Helmeted Hornbill observed in its natural habitat. � SANJITPAAL SINGH / JITSPICS.COM
The Helmeted Hornbill occupies primary rainforest in particular closed-canopy growth dominated by large dipterocarp trees within the Sundaland. Protecting and restoring large dipterocarp forest is an important part for the survival of this iconic bird. We need sustained conservation actions of this hornbill across its range states - Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Myanmar and Brunei. To effectively protect the endangered hornbill from extinction, we must tackle poaching, trafficking and habitat loss.
Effective enforcement, raising awareness of the issue, education and demand reduction, and cooperation with local communities are critically important actions to effective in situ conservation of the species, including control of large-scale poaching.
To save this majestic bird, Endangered Species International strongly supports:
Effective and aggressive anti-poaching efforts and on-the-ground protection. The management of rainforest protected areas through increased on-ground patrolling and reforestation efforts. Behavior change campaigns to eliminate demand for Helmeted Hornbill products across all consumer communities in particular China. Effective enforcement of national and international policies and legislation ensuring that the CITES Appendix I listing for the species is effectively implemented, banning all commercial trade (including domestic trade). Empowerment of local communities to be conservation stewards for Helmeted Hornbill.
Did you know?
The Helmeted Hornbill is one of the largest hornbill species in Asia.
The call of the male is unique and can be heard over 2 km.
Adults are estimated to reach 50 years old.
It has the most specialized diet of any hornbill, largely consisting of fruits.
Like other hornbill species, Helmeted Hornbills form monogamous breeding pairs.
The female seals herself in a nest cavity, and is completely dependent on the male for her survival and that of her offspring during this time.
They nest in large tree species of Dipterocarpaceae.
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