Abstract
Hornbills (Family: Bucerotidae) are one of the iconic animal groups in Borneo, forest-dependent and playing a significant role in the tropical rainforest ecosystem. Here, we aim to explore the hornbill species present in the rainforests of Tawau Hills Park (THP), Sabah. We performed two months of field survey using existing trails as survey transects. Detected hornbills were identified and recorded. We recorded all eight Bornean hornbill species. THP together with the adjoining Ulu Kalumpang Forest Reserve to the north provide nearly 800 square kilometers of forest habitat, representing an important hornbill conservation area. Of the eight species, three are classified as Critically Endangered or Endangered in the IUCN Red List. We sighted White-crowned Hornbills Aceros comatus and Black Hornbills Anthracoceros malayanus frequently flying into the oil palm plantation to the south to feed on oil palm fruits. Finally, we note the need to identify and restore wildlife corridors in the plantation-forest landscapes of Borneo.
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