Arunachal’s hornbill is inspiring — from forest guards to tribes, people protect nature

WHY IN THE NEWS?

• The great hornbill (Buceros bicornis) is also known as the concave-casqued hornbill, great Indian hornbill or great pied hornbill.
• It is one of the larger members of the hornbill family. It is found in the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia.
• The most prominent feature of the Great Hornbill is the bright yellow and black casque (hard structure on the head of some birds) on top of its massive bill.
• Festival: The Hornbill Festival celebrated in Nagaland is named after the bird – Hornbill, which is the most revered and admired bird for the Nagas.
• Cultural Symbol: They are the cultural symbols of some ethnic communities in the northeast, specifically the Nyishi of Arunachal Pradesh.
• State Bird: Great Hornbill is the state bird of Arunachal Pradesh and Kerala.
• IUCN Status: Vulnerable
• Indian Wildlife Protection Act,1972: Schedule I