🌿 Biodiversity in Focus: A Rare Sighting of the Great Hornbill in Coastal Kerala 🕊️

India's ecological diversity continues to surprise and inspire us. In a rare and significant observation, the Great Hornbill—a species usually found in the evergreen forests of the Western Ghats and Northeastern India—was recently spotted in coastal Kerala.

This majestic bird, known for its striking casque and vibrant presence, is not only a Schedule I species under the Wildlife Protection Act (offering it the highest degree of protection), but also holds cultural importance as the State Bird of Kerala.

While it is frugivorous—mainly feeding on fruits—it is also known to prey on small mammals and reptiles, making it ecologically vital for seed dispersal and maintaining the food chain.

What makes this sighting crucial?

📍 It challenges the assumption that the Great Hornbill is endemic only to the Northeast.

📍 It reaffirms the importance of coastal and Western Ghats ecosystems in sustaining diverse species.

📍 It reminds us to document and protect species distribution data to support informed conservation strategies.

As climate and habitat dynamics shift, continuous monitoring of such sightings is vital—not just for academic records but for shaping conservation policy and public awareness.

Let’s not forget: every species we protect today secures the ecological resilience of tomorrow. 🌱

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