The Forest Farmer in Trouble

The helmeted hornbill, one of 57 hornbill species in Africa and Asia, is found only in the lowland forests of Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, southern Thailand. Hornbills are vital to the survival of Southeast Asia’s forests. As “farmers of the forest,” they disperse seeds by regurgitating or defecating them, helping to replenish trees over several square miles. It’s an especially important task now, given how much primary forest has been cleared by commercial enterprises. Widespread logging also is reducing habitat for Asian hornbill species and threatening their ability to nest.

The Department of Agriculture, Ministry of Industry & Primary Resources of the government as well as wildlife conservationist NGOs, like BruWILD has been advocating against wildlife trafficking. This includes campaigns to create awareness, raising funds, as well as research and collaboration with various organisations. , Provides young people with an authentic learning experience in the Malaysian rainforest and the opportunity to apply innovative ideas to solve real-life environmental issues.