Successful Reintroduction of Indian Grey Hornbill in Gujarat's Gir Forests

Reintroduction Success of Indian Grey Hornbill

Ahmedabad, July 14: The Indian Grey Hornbill, known locally as Chilotro, has made a remarkable comeback in Gujarat's Gir forests after nearly sixty years of absence, thanks to a state-led reintroduction initiative. A recent scientific study confirms that these birds have not only settled in the area but have also begun nesting and breeding.

The research, published in the international journal 'Birds', titled 'Reintroduction of Indian Grey Hornbills in Gir, India: Insights into Ranging, Habitat Use, Nesting and Behavioural Patterns', offers a detailed evaluation of the Forest Department's efforts, in collaboration with partner organizations, to restore this species to Gir after its disappearance in the mid-20th century.

This development follows a recent announcement from the state Forest Department regarding another conservation achievement: the survival of a second Great Indian Bustard chick beyond the critical 40-day mark post-hatching.

The reintroduction of the Indian Grey Hornbill commenced in 2021, with birds being relocated from the Aravalli forests to Gir after assessments indicated that the habitat was now suitable for their survival.

In total, 40 hornbills were released in two phases: 28 in 2021 and 2022, followed by 12 in 2023.

The study revealed that one breeding pair successfully nested in the first year following their release, while three additional pairs established nests in the subsequent year.

Researchers noted that the hornbills are now residents of the Gir forests and are breeding successfully, demonstrating that the reintroduction program has met its primary conservation goals.

Forest and Environment Minister Arjun Modhwadia stated, "Under Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel's leadership, the Gujarat Forest Department has launched several significant wildlife conservation initiatives. The successful reintroduction of the Chilotro and the conservation of the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard exemplify these efforts. The Chilotro was reintroduced in 2021, and five years later, they have settled and begun breeding, marking a significant achievement for the project."

Pravin Mali, Minister of State for Forest and Environment, emphasized that Gujarat's wildlife conservation model serves as a global example of effective natural heritage protection. The entire nation takes pride in the accomplishments stemming from the state government's committed wildlife conservation initiatives.

Vinod Rao, Principal Secretary of the Forest and Environment Department, highlighted the ecological importance of the species beyond its conservation status.

"In the first year post-release, one pair successfully bred, and in the second year, three more pairs established nests. This indicates that the Chilotro has once again made Gir its home. The species plays a crucial ecological role by dispersing tree seeds over long distances, which is vital for the natural regeneration of forests," he explained.

Mohan Ram, Conservator of Forests for the Junagadh Forest Circle and co-author of the study, noted that 40 Indian Grey Hornbills were released in two phases, with satellite transmitters attached to 11 male birds for long-term monitoring of their movements, habitat use, and breeding behavior.

"The birds were relocated from the Aravalli forests after studies confirmed that Gir provided a suitable habitat once again," he added.

Dr. Jaipal Singh, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) and Chief Wildlife Warden, stated that habitat protection measures implemented after the establishment of the Gir Wildlife Sanctuary in 1965 and the Gir National Park in 1975 have created favorable conditions for the hornbill's return.

"The Grey Hornbill had vanished from Gir decades ago, but improved habitat protection following the establishment of the Gir Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park has facilitated the species' comeback," he remarked.

Satellite tracking data indicated that the released hornbills initially explored vast areas of unfamiliar territory before settling into smaller home ranges.

In the initial months post-release, the birds covered an average area of approximately 61 square kilometers, which later decreased to about 5.7 square kilometers as they established themselves.

Their average daily movement also reduced from 4.3 kilometers during the exploratory phase to 1.4 kilometers after settling, signifying successful adaptation to the Gir ecosystem.

The state government noted that this reintroduction is part of broader wildlife conservation efforts in India, where locally extinct species are being scientifically reintroduced and monitored in suitable habitats.