There are over 60 species of hornbill in the world, and 11 species are found in Myanmar. Out of these 11, nine are residing in Taninthayi Region, according to Lampi Marine National Park.

The hornbill is known as Anthracoceros coronatus leucogaster. The male hornbill measures 27-30 inches in length and the female hornbill is 26-27 inches in length. The hornbill is renowned for its profound display of loyalty and devotion, and they are one of the top endangered species in the world.

The hornbills are widely poached for their usefulness, and the hornbill population is lower and lower. They are mostly found in Lampi Marine National Park, the Pachan River Forest Area, Chin and Kachin states. They have long cared beak and graduated tail.

“Myanmar possess 11 species of hornbill out of 60. There are nine species in Taninthayi Region. The Lampi Marine National Park has unique species like mammal bat and hornbill. Most of the hornbills reside in the mangrove forest. Different countries have different shapes of hornbills. For example, the hornbill in India is grey. The ones in Myanmar have huge long yellow beaks and tails, the chest and wings are black, and the belly and thigh are white. Bird catching including hornbill is prohibited in Lampi Marine National Park,” said U Kyi Oo, warden of the park.

The hornbill lays eggs in the late cold season and early summer, and the eggs hatch after 45 days. During the breeding period, the entrance hole of the nest is covered with food scraps and mud by the male and only a small hole is left for the male to feed the female and her young.

The existence of nine species of hornbill in Taninthayi Region is a sign of the bountiful forest and fine water and land resources of the region. — Thitsa (MNA)/KTZH

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