Environment and ecology Breeding of Indian Grey Hornbills in Gir Context: After disappearing from Gujarat's Gir forests for over 60 years, the Indian Grey Hornbill has successfully bred for the fourth consecutive year following its reintroduction in 2021. 40 Indian Grey Hornbills were translocated from Gujarat's Aravalli forests and released in two phases (28 birds during 2021-22 & 12 birds in 2023). 11 male hornbills were fitted with satellite transmitters to monitor their movement, habitat use, settlement patterns, and breeding behaviour. About Indian Grey Hornbill About: The Indian Grey Hornbill is a hornbill species found in the Indian subcontinent and is associated with forests, wooded areas, orchards and human-modified landscapes. Scientific Name:The Indian Grey Hornbill is scientifically known as Ocyceros birostris. Distribution: It is the most widely distributed hornbill species in India, found from Jammu to Kerala and from Rajasthan to West Bengal. Neighbouring Range: The species is also found in parts of Pakistan, Nepal and Bangladesh. Habitat: It prefers dry plains, foothills and open habitats, and can be seen in deciduous forests, orchards, thorny scrub, gardens and urban areas with old trees. Habitat Recovery: Improved protection after the declaration of Gir Wildlife Sanctuary in 1965 and Gir National Park in 1975 created favourable conditions for reintroduction. IUCN Status: Least Concern Appearance: The bird has an ashy, silvery-grey body, long tail feathers with a white band, and a curved ivory-coloured beak that is blackish at the base. Casque: It has a narrow protruding casque on its beak, with males having a larger casque than females. Eye Features: Adults have red eyes and grey skin around the eyes, while juveniles have brown-orange eyes with reddish-orange skin around them. Ecological Role: It acts as an important seed disperser and helps regenerate trees across forests, rural landscapes and urban spaces.
