 
The Importance
of Hornbills
Hornbills are both fruit and
fresh eaters. They are far-ranging in their search
for food and drop the seeds of the fruits they
eat as they go, dispersing them over a wide area.They
are thus important seed dispersers for the forest,
acting as agents of forest regeneration, at the
same time as controlling insects and other small
animal populations. As such, they can be regarded
as indicators of high moist forests, ensuring
the continuance of forest health and species richness.
Aims
1.
To continuce and expand further research intiatives
into hornbills and related topics.
2.
To disseminate information on forest and the wildlife
within them to the public.
3.
Develop interest in and encourage the study of
natural ecosystems among scientists, researchers,
students and schoolchildren.
4.
Set up a centre for the exchange of information
and training in research into hornbills at both
national and international levels.
5.
To work for the good of the public or co-operate
with other nonprofit-making institutions for public
benefit.
6.
Not to be involved with any political activity.
Current Research
Projects
 Many
important topics of research presently underway
have been initiated by the project for the study
of the Ecology of Hornbills, Faculty
of Science, Mahidol University working in
conjunction with the National
Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department
and the Faculty
of Forestry, Kasetsart University.
Survey
of the range and status of hornbill populations
throughout Thailand
The present distribution and status of wild
hornbills is not yet know with any certainty,
even
though such basic data is essential to manage
the conservation of hornbills and their habitats.
Study of the biology and ecology of endangered
hornbill species
Many species of Thai hornbills are at present
near extinction. It is therefore vital to understand
the basic needs for their survival in order
to protect and conserve them. This study is
currently being pursued in Huai Kha khaeng-Thung
Yai wildlife Sanctuary and several protected
forests in the south.
Endangered hornbill species include :
| a. Wrinkled Hornbill |
b. Plain-pouched hornbill
|
| c. Rufous-necked Hornbill |
d. Rhinoceros Hornbill |
| e. Helmeted Hornbill |
f. Black Hornbill |
| g. White-crowned Hounbill |
|
Study of the biology
and ecology of hornbills in khao Yai National
Park
Research here has centred upon a long-term study
of the breeding status of hornbills, identifying
the factors necessary for successful breeding
and growth of population, and the collection
of data to determine the numbers of breeding
pairs the study area might support, to study
hornbill food plants, etc. Information collected
is being used to adjust and improve abandoned
nesting holes so that they may be re-occupied.
Should this project prove successful, both the
knowledge gained and the methods used can be
applied to toher areas of conservation in the
country.
Youth Education Programme to inculcate interest
in wildilife and the forest
The survival of Thailand’s forests
ans wildlife will depend upon people’s
understanding of the importance of the forests
to their lives and the urgent need to help
conserve them. With this in mind, the Foundation
has produced booklets, held exhitions, given
illustrated talks with slides, slide multivision
shows and videos and organize “We
love hornbills” nature Camps
where children have been taken on guided treks
through the forest and engaged in other nature
activities. A nation-wide Hornbill Painting
Competition has been organized.
Besides this varied youth programme and the
opportunities offered for training in hornbill
research, our target of awareness, through
the publication of our research,will also
be directed to the general public.
Contact Us
The Hornbill Research Foundation
c/o Department of Microbiology
Faculty of Science, Mahidol University
Rama 6 Rd, Bangkok 10400
Tel : 662 201 5532, Fax : 662 644 5411
E-Mail : scpps@mucc.mahidol.ac.th
(Professor Pilai Poonswad, Ph.D.)
Website : http://www.thaihornbill.org
How you can help
save the hornbills of Thailand?
To continue this work it
is vital that the foundation have sufficient
funds. If you feel as we do, that these spec-
tacular birds must be preserved for future generations
to enjoy, do, please fill in the form at he
end of this leaflet
with your donation.
Finally, if you should sight any
hornbills, it would be most helpful if you could
let The Hornbill Research Foundation know. State
the species sighted; the number of birds seen;
the conditions under which they were seen e.g.
in the wild,in a cage,being hunted;give the
place,as accurately as possible e.g. direction
(north, south etc.) of Forest to the nearest
administration district; the date and the name
of the reporter.
Name (Mr./Mrs./Ms.) ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Address……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Telephone………………………
Yes I would like to help research into
hornbills and further awareness of their
importance. I enclose :
postal order for …………………………………
baht
cheque for ………………………………………
baht
pay-in slip made to the Hornbill Research
Foundation, a/c no. 026-2-75910-2
The Siam Commercial Bank, Ramathibodi
Branch for …………………………………………………
baht
Please let me have a receipt by (date)…………………
(Cheques and postal orders should
be made out to “The
Hornbill Research Foundation”
and sent to Hornbill Research Foundation
C/O Department of Microbiology, Faculty
of
Science, Mahidol University, Rama 6th
Road, Bangkok 10400)
Further enquiries can be made at the
Hornbill Research Foundation
Tel : 02-201-5532
Fax : 66-2-644-5411
|
Hornbill
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