Forest cover loss threatens hornbills in Arunachal

News: A study has reported a high rate of deforestation in Papum Reserve Forest (RF), a major hornbill habitat in Arunachal Pradesh.

Facts:

• Papum Reserve Forest: It is an Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBAs) in Arunachal Pradesh.
• Location: It is located between two IBAs, Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary to the east and Pakke Wildlife Sanctuary to the west.
• Vegetation: It forms part of the Eastern Himalayas Endemic Bird Area.A large part of the site is covered by Subtropical Dry Evergreen and Semi-evergreen Forests while the higher areas are under Subtropical Broadleaf Hill Forest cover.
• Hornbill Species: The Papum Reserve is a nesting habitat of three species of hornbills: 
  • Great hornbill- Vulnerable
  • Wreathed hornbill – Vulnerable and 
  • Oriental Pied Hornbill- Least Concern.
• Pakke reserve houses a fourth species,the Rufous-Necked Hornbill- Vulnerable.