• Summary
• Text account
• Data table and detailed info
• Range map
• Resources

Justification of Red List category
This forest-dependent species has been classified as Vulnerable as it is suspected to be declining rapidly throughout its range as a result of habitat loss and persecution by hunters and trappers.

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. Forest loss on this species's range between 2001-2019 occurred at a rate equivalent to a 19% reduction over three generation lengths (Global Forest Watch, 2020). Between 2016-2019, forest loss was at a rate of 2.4% per year (Global Forest Watch, 2020). Projecting this rate forward over three generation lengths, the species is estimated to experience habitat loss at a rate of 27% over three generations. Additionally, the species is subjected to substantial hunting and trapping pressure, hence the overall rate of decline is suspected to be in the range of 30-49% over three generations.

Buceros mindanensis is endemic to the Philippines where it occurs on nine main islands: Samar, Leyte, Bohol, Panaon, Biliran, Calicoan and Buad (race semigaleatus), Dinagat, Siargao, Mindanao (plus Balut, Bucas and Talicud) and Basilan (race mindanensis; Collar et al. 1999). It is likely to be declining across much of its range (del Hoyo et al. 2001). Samar and West Mindanao now represent strongholds for the species, which is likely to have been extirpated on some smaller islands within its range (Panaon, Balut, Talicud) and is thought to be barely surviving in some others (Basilan, Dinagat; J-C. Gonzalez in litt. 2013).

This species occurs largely in primary evergreen forests up to 2,100 m. It is also known to occur locally in mature secondary and selectively-logged forests, where it nests in tall, often emergent trees. Feeds in tall fruiting trees in gatherings of up to 12, and will join groups of 20 or more Mindanao Wrinkled Hornbill Aceros leucocephalus. Mostly feeds on seeds and fruit with up to 94% of the diet comprised of fruit (Kinnaird and O'Brien 2007); also takes insects (Kemp 1995). 

This species suffers from substantial hunting pressure and widespread loss of habitat as a result of logging and conversion to agriculture. Continued subsistence hunting, felling of remnant dipterocarp forests for agriculture, and petty trade in remote places in Mindanao 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). This could be because nest trees, especially dipterocarps and ironwood, are among the most valued timber species in illegal logging operations (P. & I. Widmann in litt. 2019)

Conservation and research actions underway
CITES Appendix II. The species is present in Sohoton Natural Bridge National Park on Samar, Pasonanca Natural Park on Mindanano, and Siargeo Protected Land and Seascapes (P. Widmann 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 such as the experimental installation of nest boxes in location where suitable nest cavities are likely a limiting factor (P. Widmann and I. Widmann in litt. 2019). Build on local ecological knowledge to enhance local engagement to hornbill conservation (J. Ibanez in litt. 2014). Include in conservation education campaigns, highlighting the role of forest regeneration. 

60-65 cm. A large mostly rufous hornbill with a black face and dark brown wings contrasting against the white tail. The huge bill is crimson at the base but the distal half is yellow, and there is a large casque. Similar spp. B. hydrocorax is similar but slightly larger with the whole bill crimson, and the skin surrounding the eye is yellow; in B. mindanensis this is mostly black with a small yellow area below the eye. Voice. Clear resonant "honk", repeated.

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

Contributors
Allen, D., Gonzalez, J.C., Ibanez, J., Sarenas, I., Symes, A., Taylor, J. & Widmann, P.

---

Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2025) Species factsheet: Southern Rufous Hornbill Buceros mindanensis. Downloaded from https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/southern-rufous-hornbill-buceros-mindanensis on 05/01/2025.
Recommended citation for factsheets for more than one species: BirdLife International (2025) IUCN Red List for birds. Downloaded from https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/search on 05/01/2025.