There are 10 species of hornbills in Malaysia, of which eight can be found in Sarawak.īesides the Rhinoceros Hornbill, the other species that can be found in Sarawak are the Oriental Pied Hornbill, Bushy-crested Hornbill, Black Hornbill, White-crowned Hornbill, Wrinkled Hornbill, Wreathed Hornbill, and Helmeted Hornbill. In captivity it can live for up to 35 years. However, the difference between the two bird species will be explained at another time,” he said. The rhinoceros hornbill (Buceros rhinoceros) is a large species of forest hornbill (Bucerotidae). “Many of us also cannot differentiate between the Rhinoceros Hornbill (found in Asia) and the Toco Toucan (found in South America). The range of the rhinoceros hornbill extends into the Malay peninsula, western Indonesia, Borneo, Java, and Sumatra. They are CITES listed as a Species at Risk (IUCN Lower Risk/Near Threatened). Teo hopes with greater awareness, Sarawakians will eventually learn to identify their own state bird. By Lim How Pim on June 24, 2021, Thursday at 12:44 PM Sarawak For the freshest news, join The Borneo Posts Telegram Channel and The Borneo Post on Newswav. Primary threats to the population of rhinoceros hornbills are loss of habitat, poaching for the feathers and live bird market, and hunting for food.

The Rhinoceros Hornbill’s casque is a mixture of red, orange, and yellow, while the Great Hornbill’s casque is almost entirely yellow. He also pointed out the Rhinoceros Hornbill’s casque protrudes outwards, hence its name, while the Great Hornbill’s casque does not protrude much. “The Great Hornbill has a whitish yellow neck and wings, whereas the Rhinoceros Hornbill’s neck and wings are all black,” he said. Rhinoceros hornbills are large cavity-nesting birds with black plumage, a white abdomen and a long, white tail crossed by a wide black band. He pointed out three ways to distinguish the Rhinoceros Hornbill from the Great Hornbill by looking at their necks, wings, and casques. The Rhinoceros Hornbill on the other hand, can be found in West Malaysia, Sarawak, and Sabah,” he said in a press release. “In Malaysia, the Great Hornbill can only be found in Peninsular Malaysia. In a YouTube video posted on Tuesday, the Malaysian Nature Society Kuching Branch (MNSKB) and hornbill research team member, reminded Sarawakians that the Great Hornbill is not the state bird of Sarawak and pointed out it cannot even be found in the state. Helmeted hornbills, (Rhinoplax vigil) who are larger than rhinoceros hornbills, will reportedly eat rhinoceros hornbill chicks. Teo, who began his campaign last year, said he noticed more people were starting to use the Rhinoceros Hornbill to represent Sarawak, instead of the Great Hornbill. It will also steal eggs from other birds. The Rhinoceros Hornbill faces many challenges which pose serious threats on the species. The casque is made out of keratin, like our fingernails, and is very strong and lightweight. It can be distinguished by its banana-shaped casque on the top of its beak. They live in various types of forest habitat and feed on fruits and small animlas like lizards and frogs. For example, the wreathed hornbill incubates its eggs for 40 days, rhinoceros hornbill 37-46 days, and the helmeted hornbill takes the longest with 150 days. The Rhinoceros Hornbill is one of 54 species of hornbills that exist. KUCHING (June 24): Zoologist Jason Teo is determined to ensure Sarawakians can identify their own state bird - the Rhinoceros Hornbill - with Sarawak Day (July 22) fast approaching. Cute Gifts About the Rhinoceros Hornbill Also known as: Great Rhinocerous Hornbill The Rhinoceros Hornbill is a very large and long-lived species of hornbill that lives in parts of southeast Asia. Teo says many Sarawakians still cannot distinguish the Rhinoceros Hornbill (right) from the Great Hornbill, which cannot be found in Sarawak.

Rhinoceros hornbill egg