Forest cover loss threatens hornbills in Arunachal

News: A study has reported a high rate of deforestation in Papum Reserve Forest (RF), a major hornbill habitat in Arunachal Pradesh.

Facts:

  • Papum Reserve Forest: It is an Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBAs) in Arunachal Pradesh.
  • Location: It is located between two IBAs, Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary to the east and Pakke Wildlife Sanctuary to the west.
  • Vegetation: It forms part of the Eastern Himalayas Endemic Bird Area.A large part of the site is covered by Subtropical Dry Evergreen and Semi-evergreen Forests while the higher areas are under Subtropical Broadleaf Hill Forest cover.
  • Hornbill Species: The Papum Reserve is a nesting habitat of three species of hornbills: 
    • Great hornbill- Vulnerable
    • Wreathed hornbill – Vulnerable and 
    • Oriental Pied Hornbill- Least Concern.
  • Pakke reserve houses a fourth species,the Rufous-Necked Hornbill- Vulnerable.