Sagip Sarihay Series features critically endangered species in the Philippines, with weekly posts of alternating plant and animal species, and with the primary aims of awareness and call to action. This series is a project of the SciTech and the VA sections of UST-CSJ. (Note: Weekly order of posting does not reflect actual order of intensity of endangerment. Database reference for selection of species is the IUCN Red List.)

SAGIP SARIHAY #24

Anthracoceros montani (Sulu Hornbill)

Words by: John Lemuel Hermogino

Artwork by: Jan Andrew Bautista

A visual representation of the Sulu Hornbill

Description:

Antracoceros montani, commonly known as the “Sulu Hornbill,” is endemic to the Philippines. It is part of the family of hornbills that possesses a bony “casque” protruding from the top of its bill. Despite its heavy-built appearance, its structure is light, comprising of thin, hollow bones. This hornbill is medium in size, towering approximately 50 cm. It has a distinct black coloration with a white tail. Females and males are similar in color. Males are generally smaller with creamy white iris, whereas females have smaller casque and bill with dark brown iris (Datta et al., 2019).

Locality:

This species is found initially only in three islands of the Sulu Archipelago. Despite being abundant in the late 19th century, a drastic decrease in its population occurs. Currently, it is believed to be locally extinct in two of these islands, where it is sure to be now restricted in Tawi-Tawi (Bird International, 2020).

Threat:

At present, there are about 49 mature individuals left in this species, wherein the primary threat to its population is mining and illegal logging. Most of the archipelago is almost completely deforested, where there are only lowland patches remaining. Although the logging rate has decreased, the mining activities remain a considerable threat to the existing forest area. Furthermore, another threat involves hunting these species for food, trade, and target practice (Bird International, 2020; Datta et al., 2019).

How can we help this endangered species:

An urgent investigation is needed to confirm the status of the species and its specific distribution to provide a guide for the species restoration. Since major threats involve anthropogenic activities, strict and effective security protocols must be implemented to prevent further damage to the species habitats, which leads to the decrease of its population. Fortunately, a Species Conservation Strategy and Action Plan was implemented in 2019, which aims to protect endangered species for one decade (Datta et al., 2019). Moreover, plans that involve local villagers for habitat restoration can help this endangered species.

References:

BirdLife International. 2020. Anthracoceros montani. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2020: e.T22682447A178062684. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2020-3.RLTS.T22682447A178062684.en

Datta, Aparajita & Paguntalan, Lisa & G, Jakosalem & Lee, Jessica & Kemp, Lucy & Strange, Bee & lees, caroline & Jakosalem, Philip. (2019). SPECIES CONSERVATION STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN — Sulu Hornbill Anthracoceros montani. 10.13140/RG.2.2.21733.01766.