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EnvironmentSource: The Hindu

Successful Reintroduction of Indian Grey Hornbill in Gir Forests

Monday, 20 July 2026
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Key Points

The Indian Grey Hornbill has successfully bred for the fourth consecutive year in Gujarat's Gir forests after its reintroduction in 2021, marking a significant milestone in conservation efforts. This matters for UPSC aspirants as it relates to GS Paper 3, focusing on biodiversity and conservation. Last Updated: 20-07-2026

Key Facts About Indian Grey Hornbill

  • The Indian Grey Hornbill was reintroduced to Gir forests after over 60 years of absence.
  • A total of 40 hornbills were translocated from Gujarat's Aravalli forests.
  • The reintroduction occurred in two phases: 28 birds during 2021-22 and 12 birds in 2023.
  • 11 male hornbills were fitted with satellite transmitters for monitoring.
  • The species is scientifically known as Ocyceros birostris.
  • The Indian Grey Hornbill is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN.

Conservation and Biodiversity in India

The successful reintroduction of the Indian Grey Hornbill underscores India's commitment to biodiversity conservation, aligning with national goals to restore native species and enhance ecological balance. This effort contributes to India's strategic objectives in environmental sustainability and biodiversity, reflecting positively on international conservation rankings.

UPSC Relevance

  • GS Paper 3: Environment and Biodiversity
  • Prelims: Questions on species reintroduction, habitat conservation, and the role of hornbills in ecosystems.
  • Mains: Analytical themes on biodiversity conservation strategies and ecological restoration.
  • Essay Paper: Topics on the importance of conserving native species and ecological balance.

FAQ Section

  • What is the Indian Grey Hornbill? The Indian Grey Hornbill is a bird species found in the Indian subcontinent, known for its ashy grey body and ivory-colored beak.
  • Why is the Indian Grey Hornbill important? It plays a crucial role in seed dispersal, aiding in forest regeneration and maintaining ecological balance.
  • What are the key features of the Indian Grey Hornbill? It has a silvery-grey body, a long tail with a white band, and a distinctive casque on its beak, with males having a larger casque than females.

Detailed Coverage

  • Indian Grey Hornbill reintroduced in Gir forests after 60 years.
  • Successfully bred for the fourth consecutive year.
  • A total of 40 hornbills released from Aravalli forests.
  • Release occurred in two phases: 28 birds in 2021-22 and 12 birds in 2023.
  • 11 male hornbills fitted with satellite transmitters.
  • Species is known scientifically as Ocyceros birostris.
  • Most widely distributed hornbill species in India.
  • Found from Jammu to Kerala and Rajasthan to West Bengal.
  • Also present in parts of Pakistan, Nepal, and Bangladesh.
  • Prefers dry plains, foothills, and open habitats.
  • Can be found in deciduous forests, orchards, and urban areas.
  • Protected since the declaration of Gir Wildlife Sanctuary in 1965.
  • IUCN status: Least Concern.
  • Has an ashy-grey body with a curved ivory-colored beak.
  • Acts as an important seed disperser in various ecosystems.
  • Highlights the importance of conservation efforts for native species.
Environment

Practice Questions

Test your understanding of this article

Question 1 of 50 / 5 answered
1

Following the successful reintroduction of the Indian Grey Hornbill in Gujarat's Gir forests, which year marked the commencement of this significant conservation effort that has seen the species breed successfully for four consecutive years?