CHENNAI: The Tamil Nadu forest department is set to launch a ‘Hornbill Conservation Initiative‘ aimed at protecting the habitat of this endangered bird species.
A Centre for Excellence dedicated to Hornbill conservation will be established at the Aanamalai Tiger Reserve (ATR), state forest minister D Ponmudy announced while presenting the forest demands for grants in the state assembly on Friday.
State forest secretary Supriya Sahu said many studies have identified key areas for hornbill conservation in the state, particularly in the ATR for the Malabar Grey and Great Hornbills, the Athikadavu – Pilur – Bhavanisagar Valley for Malabar Pied-Hornbill, and drier forests such as in Sathyamangalam for the Indian Grey Hornbill.
The ATR is known for its sizable population of Great Hornbills and Malabar Grey Hornbills, and for the decades of research on these species here. It is therefore uniquely positioned to serve as a Centre of Excellence for hornbill conservation.
ATR’s core and buffer zones within the plantation landscape in the hills and the coconut dominated agricultural land in the plains encompass critical habitats for hornbills.
The proposed Centre of Excellence at ATR aims to secure the future of hornbills in the southern Western Ghats through cutting-edge research, ecological restoration, and collaborative conservation efforts.
It will focus on infrastructure development, including establishing a well-equipped research and training facility and a hornbill food plant nursery.
Partnerships with leading research institutions, local NGOs, and citizen science groups will strengthen its ability to deliver impactful conservation outcomes, she said.
In addition to hornbill conservation, the department has earmarked ₹1 crore in the upcoming fiscal year for the protection of other endangered species, including the Lion-tailed Macaque, Madras Hedgehog, Hyenas, and Mahseer fish.
Another announcement on the occasion was the launch of a conservation initiative to study the population dynamics, behavioural pattern, and habitat improvement of smooth-coated otters in both Thanjavur and Tiruvarur districts at a cost of ₹25 lakh. These efforts align with broader conservation strategies aimed at preserving the state’s unique wildlife.