Hornbill - An endangered avian species of upper Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh: An analysis of public perception

Arunachal Pradesh enjoys the unique status of being the state with the wildest spectrum of wildlife species. It may be attributed to its peculiar biogeography location, altitudinal variation and high rainfall. Altitudinal differences gave rise to different climatic regimes and soil structure, which in turn has determined the spectacular vegetations of the state. Infact, the land manifests a phenomenal range of rich biological diversity. Perhaps avian fauna best represent this diversity of which Bucerotidae- a hornbill is of utmost importance. The state has five important species of hornbills out of nine being found all over in India. Fascinatingly, a hornbill is the state bird of Arunachal Pradesh because of its widespread distribution in the state and deep social significance among most of the people rather than as a most chosen food. However, hornbill has been declared endangered species of the state as its counts keeps on dwindling down due to either rapid destruction of its habitat or excessive hunting in the recent times. Thus, necessitated its immediate conservation.

The present paper makes an attempt to give an overview of various species of hornbills being found and its distribution across the Arunachal Pradesh. Further, it makes detail discussion on public's perceptions of Upper Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh on endangerment of hornbills.