HORNBILLS in India.

~ Got their name from Horn-Like Projection called 'CASQUE' on top of their Beak.

The Nyishi community of Arunachal Pradesh traditionally wore these beaks as their Headgear but these HUNTERS have now turned into PROTECTORS.
@BirdLife_News

©Petr Kratochvi

Hornbills are the Farmers of the Forests.

Hornbills propagate forests by eating fruits and pooping their seeds far and wide. And in turn, they rely on stately old trees to survive.
Humans threaten this relationship by hunting the birds & destroying their forests.
P.C. @ncfindia

Hornbill's unique Nesting behaviour.

They Nest in large softwood trees with existing cavities.
During the breeding season the female seals herself inside this cavity with droppings & mud and lays eggs, leaving only a slit for the male to bring back food for the family
@ncfindia

A programme has been started in Arunachal Pradesh to monitor and protect the Nests of HORNBILLS in and around the Pakke Tiger Reserve (PTR).

Members of Nyishi community plays an active role in this programme along with @ncfindia and the state Forest Department.