African hornbills are now under the threat of extinction, largely from international trade which has increased sharply in recent years. Among these species are the magnificent Yellow-casqued Hornbill and the Brown-cheeked Hornbill, both being conspicuous examples of the most threatened species. Today, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List lists both birds as critically endangered — one step away from extinction. During a crisis in Nigeria last month, USAID raised awareness of this important issue. The authorities intercepted 128 hornbill heads en route to the trade, amongst which were species such as Black-casqued Hornbills and White-thighed Hornbills. The continuing demand for these birds remains the biggest threat to their future.
Increased habitat destruction and direct persecution have further sharpened this tragic trend. In places such as Ghana, all but four of species of hornbill have drastically decreased or disappeared altogether from their native ranges. Awareness is growing over the role that wildlife trade plays in killing these beautiful birds. Now, the experts are sounding the alarm and calling for immediate measures to save them.
The Scope of the Threat
Evidence suggests that almost 95% of traded hornbills globally are African species. This shocking number highlights just how widespread the issue is and puts into question how sustainable these current trade practices are. Trade in African hornbills increased dramatically. With 45% of all hornbills shipped to the United States listed as live birds, they are most likely captured from the wild.
“Here, we asked whether protecting Asian but not African hornbills under CITES has enabled the accelerated trade in African hornbills to threaten their continued survival.” – Jen Tinsman et al.
Conservation specialists emphasize that the lack of regulation over international trade in African hornbills has encouraged unsustainable practices. This dangerous void in oversight is allowing dangerous practices to flourish. African hornbills are not afforded the same protection as their Asian relatives, which received CITES protection in 1992. Furthermore, these birds continue to be under-documented in international conservation frameworks.
Breeding Habits and Vulnerability
Along with their unusual reproductive traits, African hornbills are beleaguered by a lifestyle and habitat that further complicates their conservation. Only during breeding season do unpaired female hornbills seal themselves inside the cavities of their mates. They remain there for as long as 160 days to shield their eggs and chicks from predators. This peculiar nesting behavior renders them especially susceptible to habitat degradation and poaching during sensitive reproductive cycles.
When you consider the fact that their homes are all but disappearing at the hands of humanity and deforestation, the plight becomes even more urgent. The plight of the Yellow-casqued Hornbill is particularly acute. It has not been observed alive in Togo for 37 years, yet it has recently appeared for sale on the streets of Lomé. These events are stark reminders of how vulnerable these birds have become in the face of rampant legal and illegal trade.
“As people are driving this problem, people also have the capacity to solve it.” – Nico Arcilla
Actions urgently needed to halt the unprecedented decline in hornbills populations across Africa. For too long the African hornbills have suffered in silence. So conservationists are calling for action, warning that without immediate intervention, these species will go extinct within a generation.
Call for Action
As the alarm about the African hornbill trade has increased, conservationists have been calling on authorities to implement greater protections. They recommend that these African hornbills be listed on CITES Appendix II at the next Conference of the Parties. This unfortunate classification would eliminate their participation in international trade and leave these species without the legal protections they require.
“We therefore urgently recommend that African hornbills receive protection from uncontrolled international trade through listing them on CITES Appendix II at the next Conference of the Parties.” – Jen Tinsman et al.
International cooperation is key in tackling this crisis. By taking precautionary actions and advocating for reduction, everyone from policymakers to developers can fight the tides and help save the lives of these incredible migratory birds. Conservation needs to move beyond legal mandates and focus more on engaging local communities, educating them on the benefits of community development and sustainability.
Illegal wildlife trade is a complex battle that needs international unity and determination. The story of African hornbills, and many more like it, is a hopeful sign that some species have found their saviors through collaborative movement.