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Cover Story

Photos: Sanjitpaal Singh / jitspics.com
Portraits

Of A National Icon

Malaysia is blessed with lush greenery, with many national parks and forest reserves being
home to a number of diverse plant, animal and insect life, including Hornbills. Sanjitpaal
Singh and Ravinder Kaur have spent a lot of time studying these majestic birds, with every
encounter of Malaysia’s national bird adding to their knowledge.

ndowEd with The most distinct part of the hornbills
natural beauty, are their long, down-curved bill, adorned
Malaysia is one of the with a casque. These diurnal birds begin
top 17 megadiverse their day at first light, often emerging
Ecountries in the from their roost to preen and call before
world. The country plays host to taking flight to forage. Most Asian
a majority of Earth’s species hornbills are very vocal during the early
and high number of hours of the morning and it is the best
endemic species (plants time to look for them.
and animals that exist
only in one geographic region). Persistently Romantic
The Malaysian rainforests are mostly Malaysia is home to 10 out of the 57
dominated by dipterocarp trees global hornbill species. All 10 species can
which sustain various vital species be found within the peninsular, with the
of wildlife known to Southeast Asia. highest possibility of sightings being in
This places Malaysia on the global the Northern Peninsula. Each species has
map for its enchanting beauty and as unique personalities and behaviours.
an important conservation country. The different types of food consumed
vary throughout the year. Mainly
Distinct Anatomy consuming figs, the switch to animal
Within the various states in Malaysia, protein in their diet occurs during nesting
one is never too far from pristine periods. Being part of the largest bird
rainforests to indulge in species around, they are a key species for
leisurely activities. Camping the wellness of the forest.
and hiking near These fig specialists can store the
waterfalls fruits in their gular pouch and consume
are common them whole. Several species are known
during weekends, to congregate at a fruiting fig. Some of
appealing to all walks these species are known to travel long
of life. Diving or simply distances to forage, before heading off to
relaxing on beachfronts various other locations in search of food.
are also a popular practise Seeds that fall from the birds during
by city folk simply to get away flight onto the forest floor are often still
from the stress of the bustling intact, allowing them to grow into trees.
city. They are a key species for seed dispersal,
The lush green rainforest is a hence encouraging forest regeneration.
treasure trove of mystery, with Hornbills are monogamous and pair
stories of supernatural mysti- for life, yet before nesting, the female
cism and epic love tales. The needs to be wooed by the male. Court-
Malaysian hornbill is one ship feeding activities happen during this
of the many species with a period. The male entices the female by
fairytale-like story. offering food.

12 ~ FireFlyz