Kadar Indigenous Community based conservation and monitoring of Hornbill nest trees

Dr. Amitha Bachan KH, in collaboration with the local indigenous community, the Western Ghats Hornbill Foundation, and the Forest Department, has initiated a voluntary effort to conserve and monitor hornbill nest trees in the Vazhachal forest division of Kerala, India. Since 2005, the initiative aims to preserve the natural environment, mitigate threats, and engage local communities in ongoing monitoring efforts. The study focused on the riparian forests of the Chalakkudy River basin within the Anamalai landscape of the Western Ghats, a biodiversity hotspot in Sri Lanka. The forests of Vazhacal and surrounding regions are recognized as the most significant habitat for hornbills in the Western Ghats. The initiative has led to a notable rise in hornbill populations and the recognition of community forest rights. This has resulted in policy advancements, research initiatives, and conservation efforts.