“Our” hornbills are nesting again !!

1. “Our” hornbills are nesting again !! • Probably some of you have already noticed; breeding season has started again for the pied hornbill. For quite some years Panaga enjoys the presence of 2 groups of these spectacular creatures, but despite the current size of the groups these hornbills are not completely free of concern. • Recent research by UBD has confirmed that the Panaga hornbills have some problems reproducing successfully, which is of course not a sustainable situation in the long run. Part of this is related to disturbance of the nests and last year, which was very unsuccessful in this respect, we even had to report a nest raid by poachers. The hornbill is a totally protected species in Brunei and any act of catching or killing it is considered a crime. But much more important, the hornbill is a unique feature of Borneo and especially the presence of these groups around our houses is extraordinary and something to cherish. • The hornbills can generally defend themselves quite well, but on the nest the female and the chicks are extremely vulnerable and can use a bit of help in trying to make this breeding year more successful. Therefore please consider the following: • We hope you will enjoy it as much as we will; let’s hope for a productive year this time. • Panaga Natural History Society • Don’t disturb the nests and don’t approach them too closely. The female cannot fly away and if she is disturbed too frequently she will abandon the nest (and eggs or chicks) and not retry till next year. • Resist the temptation to make close-up pictures (unless you can do so from more than 15 meters away) and definitely don’t put your flash light in front of the nest. • Explain to your children how to enjoy this event without disturbing it. • Report any attempt for raiding or poaching to the local police (or to any PNHS committee member).