Hornbill populations face threats from hunting and urban encounters

Hornbills are facing significant challenges across different regions, ranging from illegal trafficking in Bangladesh to unexpected urban encounters in Singapore.

In Bangladesh, hornbills are being targeted by hunters during their breeding season. Because female hornbills seal themselves inside tree cavities to raise chicks, nests are easily located. Rescue data from 2023 to 2026 indicates that at least 26 birds, including Great Hornbills and Oriental Pied Hornbills, were rescued from illegal trade. Chicks are reportedly sold for as much as 100,000 taka ($800) through various traffickers. Conservationists are calling for increased enforcement to protect these birds during their vulnerable nesting period.

In Singapore, the presence of Oriental Pied Hornbills in residential areas has drawn public attention. Once considered locally extinct, the species has returned to the region due to conservation efforts. While sightings in urban settings have fascinated some residents, they have also sparked discussions regarding the birds' predatory behavior, including reports of hornbills targeting caged birds and nestlings.