Rare Great Hornbill sighting in Ezhimala sparks hope for biodiversity

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 as WhatsApp status. 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.

Call for further studies

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.

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.