Artificial nests for hornbill reproduction

In Borneo, the Kinabatangan River region is home to an extraordinary fauna, including 8 species of hornbills. However, the larger hornbill species are dependent on large trees for nesting, and have difficulty finding cavities of sufficient size to reproduce. The forests around Kinabatangan have been severely degraded by past human activities. These birds are still common in the region, but rarely breed. The HUTAN association monitors the various hornbill species and installs artificial nests in the most suitable breeding locations.

Prix Beauval Nature 2025: Innovation and technology in the service of conservation
Weighing 50 kg and installed at heights of several dozen meters by seasoned climbers, HUTAN's artificial nests have already enabled 10 young birds to hatch in the forests of Borneo: 4 rhinoceros hornbills, 3 largup hornbills and 3 piebald hornbills. HUTAN has thus contributed to the reproduction of wild rhinoceros hornbills in an artificial nesting box, a world first.

Photos © ZooParc de Beauval & HUTAN