Farmers of the forest: Distribution of Hornbill species in India with their conservation status and strategic recommendation for conservation

Often referred to as the "farmers of the forest," hornbills consume a variety of fruits and play a crucial role in seed dispersal across extensive areas, thereby enhancing plant diversity and facilitating forest regeneration. While hornbills are essential to the ecosystem, they face significant threats from habitat loss, deforestation, poaching, and the illegal pet trade. There are approximately sixty-two hornbill species globally, with nine residing in India. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), among the nine Indian species, five are classified as Vulnerable, two as Near Threatened, and two as Least Concern. The Western Ghats and Northeastern Himalayas are biodiversity hotspots that provide critical habitat for hornbills, including several endemic and near-endemic species. Despite their ecological importance, these regions face persistent conservation challenges that threaten the survival of hornbill populations. Although initiatives such as community engagement, habitat restoration, and legal protection are in place, these regions still face considerable challenges in hornbill conservation. This review seeks to consolidate existing research on hornbill distribution, habitat preferences, and ecological needs in India. It also aims to identify the key threats facing these species and propose actionable recommendations for future research and conservation strategies to ensure their long-term survival.