ASIA : SPECIES SPOTLIGHT
SPECIES AT RISK : HELMETED HORNBILL
ASIA
TOP : HELMETED HORNBILL BY MUHAMAD MIZAN BIN NGATENI / SHUTTERSTOCK ; RIGHT : HELMETED HORNBILL BY ZAKIFF / SHUTTERSTOCK
Although the Critically Endangered Helmeted Hornbill ’ s intricate call ends in a harsh , cackling laugh , its fate is no laughing matter . It is heavily targeted by poachers in Indonesia and illegally traded for its prominent keratin casque , or beak , referred to as “ red ivory .” This highly prized commodity sells for thousands of dollars per kilo internationally — via an organized crime network — where it is carved into decorative symbols of status .
The bird ’ s survival is further threatened by habitat loss and fragmentation . In the last 30 years , 30 % of its habitat has been destroyed .
Rainforest Trust and one of our partners on the ground in Sumatra , Forum Konservasi Leuser ( FKL ), are expanding protection to the Helmeted Hornbill ’ s prefered habitat : closed-canopy lowland forests of primary evergreen and semi-evergreen below 5,000 feet . The largest hornbill in Asia , this bird plays an important role in the larger ecosystem in seed dispersal . The seeds of fruiting trees are distributed as the Helmeted Hornbill travels in search of its favorite food , figs .
Protecting the forest and establishing regular antipoaching patrols throughout the reserve will ensure that the Helmeted Hornbill has a fighting chance .
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