A genetic blueprint for saving Asia’s iconic hornbills
Scientists from CCMB and NCF have decoded the genomes of four Asian hornbill species to understand their evolutionary history and population declines. This genetic data provides a blueprint for future conservation efforts.
Why it matters
Genetic research is increasingly vital for preserving biodiversity and understanding how species adapt to environmental changes.
With oversized beaks, striking casque structures and distinctive calls, hornbills are among the most recognisable birds of the wet tropics. Yet behind their charismatic appearance lies a growing conservation concern. Many species face mounting pressure from habitat loss, forest fragmentation, hunting and illegal wildlife trade. Several now survive in small, isolated populations across south and southeast Asia, raising concerns about their long-term survival.
A new study by scientists from the CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), Hyderabad and Nature Conservation Foundation (NCF), Mysore, offers insight into how these birds evolved and how their populations have changed over time.
The research team involved Pooja Pawar and Rohit Naniwadekar from NCF, along with Gopi Krishnan and Jahnavi Joshi from CCMB. Using advanced genome sequencing technologies, researchers have decoded the complete genetic makeup of four Asian hornbill species and reconstructed their demographic history over millions of years.
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