• Summary
• Text account
• Data table and detailed info
• Distribution map
• Reference and further resources

Justification of Red List category
This forest-dependent species has been classified as Vulnerable. Ongoing habitat degradation and forest loss from selective logging and deforestation for agriculture has likely resulted in a lack of suitable nesting trees, leading to rapid population declines. Additionally, this species is subject to substantial hunting pressure and trapping for overseas trade, hence it is suspected to be declining rapidly throughout its range. 

Population justification
The population size of this species has not been quantified, but it has been described as locally common.

Trend justification
Data on precise population trends are lacking, but a rapid decline over three generations (c.49 years) is suspected as a result of widespread habitat loss and degradation, as well as mortality from hunting and trapping. Between 2001 and 2019, forest cover >30% was lost at a rate of 4.7% (Global Forest Watch, 2020), which equates to a loss rate of 12% over three generations. Between 2016 and 2019, forest cover >30% was lost at a rate of 1.2% (Global Forest Watch, 2020). Projected forward over three generations, this equates to a rate of decline of 17.7%. The species is also sensitive to forest degradation, and is subject to substantial hunting pressure. The declines caused by hunting have not been quantified. Due to the ongoing reduction in habitat quality, and the lack of evidence that the hunting pressure will cease, the future rate of decline is suspected to fall into the 30-49% band.

Buceros hydrocorax is endemic to the Philippines where it occurs on Luzon and Marinduque (Collar et al. 1999). It is still patchily common, notably in the Sierra Madre mountains, though it has been reported to have declined drastically (del Hoyo et al. 2001). It may now barely persist on Marinduque (J-C. Gonzalez in litt. 2013). Remaining strongholds are the Sierra Madre and the Cordillera (J-C. Gonzalez in litt. 2013, J. Ibanez in litt. 2014).

This species occurs largely in primary evergreen dipterocarp forests up to 400 m, but also uses secondary forest and has been recorded at 760 m on Mt. Isarog on Luzon (Kemp 1995). Feeds on fruits, seeds, insects and centipedes. Habitat destruction has greatly reduced the extent of suitable habitat within the species' range, for example a loss of over 70% of forest cover on Luzon (del Hoyo et al. 2001). The species breeds cooperatively, and the helpers assist with both nest preparation and feeding. The breeding group is made up of 2-7 individuals consisting of both adults and immature birds (Witmer 1993). 

This species suffers from substantial hunting pressure and widespread loss of habitat as a result of logging and conversion to agriculture. Continued subsistence hunting and felling of remnant dipterocarp forests for agriculture are thought to be further depressing population numbers, and the range is now highly fragmented and likely suffering from an acute lack of suitable nesting trees, at least in parts of the range (J-C. Gonzalez in litt. 2013, J. Ibanez in litt. 2014).

Conservation and Research Actions Underway
CITES Appendix II. There are 18 individuals present across 9 zoos in Europe (data from EAZA). Of these 18 individuals, 7 are male and 11 are female (K. Brouwer in litt. 2020). 

Conservation and Research Actions Proposed
Monitor populations across the range to determine the magnitude of declines and rates of range contraction. Campaign for the protection of remaining tracts of lowland forest throughout the range. Ensure any conservation strategies address lack of suitable nesting sites. Build on local ecological knowledge to enhance local engagement to hornbill conservation (J. Ibanez in litt. 2014).

60-65 cm. A large mostly rufous hornbill with a black face and dark brown wings contrasting against the white tail. The huge bill and large casque is stained entirely crimson, and the skin around the eye is yellow. Similar spp. B. mindanensis is similar but slightly smaller with the distal part of the bill yellow, and the skin surrounding the eye is mostly black with a small yellow area below the eye. Voice. Clear resonant "honk", repeated.

Text account compilers
Datta, A., Clark, J., Patil, I.

Contributors
Allen, D., Brouwer, K., Gilroy, J., Gonzalez, J.C., Ibanez, J., Patil, I., Symes, A. & Taylor, J.

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Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Northern Rufous Hornbill Buceros hydrocorax. Downloaded from https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/northern-rufous-hornbill-buceros-hydrocorax on 24/11/2024.
Recommended citation for factsheets for more than one species: BirdLife International (2024) IUCN Red List for birds. Downloaded from https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/search on 24/11/2024.