Forest cover loss threatens hornbills in Arunachal

A study based on satellite data has shown a high rate of deforestation in a major hornbill habitat in Arunachal Pradesh.
Papum Reserve Forest (RF) adjoining Pakke Tiger Reserve and part of Assam affected by illegal felling and ethnic conflict.
Papum RF is a nesting habitat of three species of the large, colourful fruit-eating hornbills: Great, Wreathed and Oriental Pied.
The 862 sq.km. Pakke reserve houses a fourth species, the Rufous-Necked.
Mostly dependent on tropical forest habitats with large and tall trees.
They are referred as forest engineers or farmers of forest.
India has nine hornbill species, of which four are found in Western Ghats: Indian Grey Hornbill (endemic to India), Malabar Grey Hornbill (endemic to Western Ghats), Malabar Pied Hornbill (endemic to India and Sri Lanka) and widely distributed but endangered Great Hornbill.
India also has Narcondam Hornbill, found only on the island of Narcondam.