Biodiversity and Spatial Distribution of Hornbills in Pondok Buluh Educational Forest, North Sumatra, Indonesia

Abstract

Hornbills are large birds, several species of which are protected under national and international conservation legislation and face significant extinction risk. This study was conducted in the Specific Purposes Pondok Buluh Forest Area, North Sumatra, Indonesia, with the aim of identifying hornbill species present, estimating their population density, and characterizing their habitat. Hornbill surveys were carried out using the point count method, which involved direct observation during vocalizations, feeding, and resting activity. Potential nest tree characteristics and food plant availability were assessed using the Rapid Assessment method, and vegetation structure was described using 80×80 m plots. A total of 18 detections were recorded, representing two hornbill species: the Great Hornbill (Buceros bicornis) and the Black Hornbill (Anthracoceros malayanus). Both species are listed as protected under Indonesian law and are assessed as Vulnerable and Near Threatened, respectively, on the IUCN Red List. Nest trees identified included stone oaks (Lithocarpus spp.) and medang (Litsea angulata), while key food plants comprised fig (Ficus benjamina), nutmeg (Myristica fragrans), and several other fruiting tree species. These findings provide baseline biodiversity and habitat data for hornbills in this forest area and underscore the importance of protecting the Pondok Buluh Educational Forest as a viable habitat for threatened avifauna in North Sumatra.