Building Artificial Nests for Endangered Hornbill Species in Thailand

Due to the current situation in Thailand, large continuous forest areas have been fragmented into small, scattered forest patches across the country. This fragmentation has significantly affected both plant and animal communities in tropical forests. Such changes have led to a serious decline in Thailand’s forest resources, leaving only about 15% of the country’s land area as relatively intact forest. This loss is closely linked to the reduction of suitable habitats for hornbills. Research conducted by the Thailand Hornbill Research Foundation shows that suitable hornbill habitats have been declining rapidly and continuously each year, posing a severe long-term threat to hornbill population survival.

Hornbills are large birds that play a vital role in forest ecosystems and are often referred to as the “farmers of the forest.” They consume fruits from more than 100 plant species, helping disperse seeds and regenerate degraded forest areas. Hornbills also act as predators, helping regulate prey populations and maintain ecological balance. Due to ongoing threats to tropical forests, hornbills in Thailand are now classified as threatened or endangered at both national and global levels. Conserving hornbills is therefore critically important and directly contributes to the protection and restoration of forest ecosystem health.

Most importantly, hornbills cannot build their own nests. They rely on old tree cavities with very specific dimensions. As large trees disappear, suitable nesting cavities have become extremely rare, preventing hornbills from reproducing and causing their populations to decline continuously. In the past, various artificial nesting solutions have been used, including wooden nests, earthen jars, and fiberglass nests, each with significant limitations:

• Wooden nests last only 2–3 years and require cutting trees.

• Earthen jars' dimensions limit hornbill chicks’ ability to practice wing movement.

• Fiberglass nests degrade over time, producing sharp fibers that can harm the birds.

This challenge underscores the urgent need for a nesting solution that is durable, safe, and sustainable.