Rare Great Hornbill sighting sparks hope for biodiversity

 

THE HINDU BUREAU, 

KANNUR, july 9, 2025

In a rare and remarkable sighting, the Malamuzhakki Vezhambal (Great Hornbill), Kerala’s State bird, was spotted in the coastal belt of Kakkampara, near Ezhimala in Kannur, an area far from its usual forested habitats.

The bird was first observed perched on a fig-laden Ficus exasperata tree on May 24 and later flew towards the Ezhimala Naval Academy’s forecasted campus.

Birdwatchers Manoj Karingamathil, P. Jameela and Abhinav Jeevan, a student of the Forestry department in Sir Syed College, Taliparamba, confirmed the sighting and said the bird spotted was a male.The hornbill remained in the area for about two weeks, foraging from fruit-bearing trees and occasionally flying to neighbouring regions, said Mr. Manoj.

He said the bird was first noticed by Abhinav’s relatives, who without knowing the rarity of the bird sighting, used its photos asWhatsAppstatus. When the photos came to the notice of Abhinav, he immediately informed us,said Mr. Manoj.

Habitats

Typically found in Kerala’s evergreen and moist deciduous forests such as the Silent Valley, Nelliampathy, Athirappilly, Aralam and Parambikulam, the Hornbill is rarely seen in coastal areas, he said, adding that its unexpected presence is hailed as an ecological indicator.

There were very few reports of the birds being sighted near forest regions of the Aralam and Karimbam farms. However, there is no public documentation, he claimed.

Ramanthali grama panchayat president V. Shyma said the sighting is significant proof that the region remains a biodiversity hotspot despite human habitation. “This reflects the ecological richness of the area,” she said.

Sneha Subhash, head of the Department of Forestry, Sir Syed College, emphasised the need for further studies on the Great Hornbil’s movement to coastal hills. “Such occurrences near the sea are unusual and point to the broader ecological value of the region,“ she said.

Conservation calls

Listed as Endangered by the IUCN and protected under Schedule 1 of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, the Great Hornbill’s appearance in Ezhimala has sparked both excitement and renewed calls for conservation efforts in the area.

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Fungus threat to endangered Western Ghats tree

 

MINI MURINGATHERI, 

THRISSUR, The Hindu

Scientists have sounded the alarm on a newly detected fungal disease attacking Dipterocarpus bourdillonii, a critically endangered tree endemic to the Western Ghats.

The phytopathogen, Corynespora cassiicola, a highly aggressive fungus, is known to infect more than 530 plant species.

The findings of Shambhu Kumar, Principal Scientist and Head, Forest Pathology Department, Kerala Forest Research Institute, Peechi, along with Raghvendra Singh, Senior Assistant Professor, Department of Botany, Banaras Hindu University, have been published in the June 17th edition of Mycosphere journal.

Serious concerns

This marks the first recorded instance of the pathogen affecting D. bourdillonii, raising serious conservation concerns. The fungus was identified based on morpho-cultural characteristics and molecular phylogenetic evidence.

Detection of the emerging leaf spot and blight disease highlights the urgent need for disease surveillance and integrated conservation strategies to protect one of Western Ghats’ most vulnerable rainforest trees. “Dipterocarpus bourdillonii (family: Dipterocarpaceae) is a critically endangered tree species listed on the IUCN Red List. Endemic to the Western Ghats of India, it plays a vital ecological role in maintaining rainforest canopy structure and supporting biodiversity.

Economically, its hardwood is valued for construction and furniture, while its oleoresin (wood oil) has traditional medicinal and industrial uses. The emergence of this additional biotic threat underscores the urgent need for conservation measures,” Mr. Kumar said. The investigation using morpho-molecular tools is of significant importance.

Molecular identification ensures accurate pathogen detection, overcoming the limitations of morphology-based methods and facilitating early diagnosis and monitoring.

This study is crucial for understanding the disease’s epidemiology, guiding effective disease management strategies, and safeguarding this threatened species.

Additionally, it contributes to forest health surveillance and supports both ex-situ and in-situ conservation efforts, Mr. Kumar pointed out.

Corynespora cassiicola is a widespread phytopathogen causing leaf spots, target spots, and blight diseases in a wide range of plant species, including economically important crops such as rubber, soybean, tomato, cucumber, cotton, besides medicinal and ornamental plants.

Humid climates

It thrives in warm, humid climates and spreads through conidia (spores produced by fungi) via wind, water, and human activity.

The pathogen impairs photosynthesis, leading to defoliation, reduced yield, and plant death in severe cases.

Management of the pathogen involves the use of resistant cultivars, cultural practices (e.g., proper spacing and removal of infected parts), and fungicides such as mancozeb and azoxystrobin.

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