Biodiv Sci ›› 2013, Vol. 21 ›› Issue (3): 352-358.  DOI: 10.3724/SP.J.1003.2013.07203

• Orginal Article • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Population number and distribution of oriental pied hornbill in Guangxi, China

Yik Fui Philip Lo1,*(), Aiwu Jiang2, Bosco Pui Lok Chan1, Sai Chit Ng3, Naiwen Xie4,5, Tengcheng Que6, Fei Li7   

  1. 1 Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden, Kadoorie Conservation China, Hong Kong
    2 College of Forestry, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi 540003
    3 Hong Kong Baptist University, School of Continuing Education, Hong Kong
    4 Xidamingshan Nature Reserve, Chongzuo, Guangxi 532114
    5 Fenghuangshan Forest Farm, Chongzuo, Guangxi 532114
    6 Nanning Zoo, Nanning, Guangxi 530007
    7 Yinggeling Nature Reserve, Baisha, Hainan 572800
  • Received:2013-02-09 Accepted:2013-04-01 Online:2013-05-20 Published:2013-06-05
  • Contact: Fui Philip Lo Yik

Abstract:

The oriental pied hornbill (Anthracoceros albirostris albirostris) is a State Protected Species and also an important seed dispersal agent in Tropical Asia. Recent studies show that the range of oriental pied hornbill in Guangxi has decreased significantly in the last decades. During the 1970s the species was widespread along the Sino-Vietnamese border but since the 2000s it has been confined to only three isolated areas. Although the population has declined substantially, Xidamingshan still supports the largest hornbill population known in Guangxi. In order to understand the current status of the species in Guangxi, China, we conducted a simultaneous population survey in Xidamingshan Nature Reserve in 2009. At least, fifty birds were recorded during survey and 124 plant species are identified as potential food source of the bird. Human disturbance and hunting are the main threats to the species in Guangxi. Further research and conservation of the species are urgently required.

Key words: Anthracoceros albirostris albirostris, hornbill, seed dispersal, conservation, ecology, Xidamingshan, Guangxi, China