10 thoughts on “Rufous-headed Hornbill (Rhabdotorrhinus waldeni)”
Whilst I understand the rate of population decrease is not within the CR standard requirements listed above I still believe the species should be considered CR. The population size is still on the lower end (5000 individuals may be over-estimated but also not incorporating breeding success or availability as a long lived species), severely limited habitat availability (especially long term viability regarding nesting sites), and its general Ex Situ and geographic limitations, all remain it as a candidate for CR. As the recommendation above cites, the population is still thought to be either stable to declining, and the threats are far from mitigated, in fact on the cusp of getting worse in the near future with unprotected forest landscapes prime for mining or other anthropogenic destruction.
Also regarding the map, the Negros island locations should be considered as either Extinct or Possibly Extinct, with the species not being confirmed in any Negros forests for more than a decade.
Range
This Rufous-headed Hornbill (RHH) still qualifies as Critically Endangered due to severe hunting pressure and severely fragmented forest in Western Visayas. The species is probably functionally extinct in Negros Island. Were PhilBio’s last records are in Balinsasayao Twin Lakes Natural Park (BTLNP) where 3 individuals seen and observed in 2007 (with Lisa Paguntalan, Prof. Luc Lens and Godfrey); 4 ( individuals were also observed in by the PhilBio-MSU IIT team in Northern Negros Natural Park (NNNP) in 2014 (observers are Andrew Reintar, Kim Doble, Freddie Lozada and Godfrey); and a heard call in Mt Kanla-on Natural Park (MKNP) particularly in Wasay Forest in the Municipality of Murcia in Negros Occidental in 2015. This is the last observation record for the RHH since the sightings. We conducted synchronized biodiversity monitoring in the three protected areas in Negros Island BTLNP, NNNP, and MKNP in 2018 and 2019 the species were not recorded in the three natural parks.
For Panay Island, the species was reported or probably extinct(?) or extirpated in Northwest Panay Peninsula Natural Park(?) and Sibalon Natural Park (?) but needs to be confirmed and conduct more population studies in these sites. The stronghold of the RHH is within the Central Panay Mountain Range, which comprises the four provinces, the province of Antique, Aklan, Capiz, and Iloilo of which Antique and Aklan has the larger forest cover. Our study in raptly estimated around 1,000–2,499 mature individuals with a total number of individuals at 1,500–4,000 (Reintar et, al. 2022) although we still have crude estimate since we are conducting the survey only within two sites of Antique, in Forest of Sebaste and Culasi. We also conducted a study in the forest of Capiz in the Municipality of Pilar Forest where we observed 2 individuals in a lowland forest. Haribon conducted a study within Pandan, Sebaste, Culasi, and Tibiao in 2014, recording some RHH populations. The most recent monitoring activity conducted particularly on the RHH is the Dulungan Count (Hornbill Count) a synchronized biodiversity monitoring system conducted within 10 municipalities of Antique where we counted at more than 60 individuals in 5 localities, particularly in Sebaste (11), San Remigio (4), Pandan (10), Culasi (1), and Barbaza (1). A total of 30 RHH was recorded.
There’s a need to conduct more surveys in Aklan where the Forest is continuous with Antique Forest, particularly in the forest of Madalag and Ibajay forests where we recorded several individuals regularly in different transects. There’s also a need to conduct some surveys in Mibacao, Malinao, and other forests within the Aklan River Watershed, in forests of Lambunao, Janiuay, and Maasin, for the Municipality of Iloilo for confirmation on the presence of the species
Habitat
The species occurs in lowland forests, particularly in primary forests (Reintar et, al. 2022). We only had a few records in the secondary forest. In our recent survey in 2024 in Sebaste Forest survey the species mostly observed in the primary forest however, we also observed the species in advanced secondary forest. In 2016 our other transect line was within the primary forest advanced secondary forest but in 2024 some portion of the advanced secondary forest was converted into a coconut plantation and there are additional clearings were also observed particularly on the gullies and near river banks. On the Hornbill Count, results from the species were mostly observed in the primary forest and few sightings in the secondary forest.
Threats
There are several threats identified for RHH, like loss of habitat particularly lowland forest within Negros and Panay. The species was also recorded in Guimaras but is currently extirpated in the island. The species was heavily targeted by hunters and local trade within the province of Akland and poaching of juveniles within the forests of Antique and Aklan. We observed poacher camps and traps for other threatened species. In Antique we observed the changes of forests in 2016 and 2024. Encroachment for agriculture was prominently observed in several sites like Sebaste, Culasi, and San Remigio Antique. As well as other sites within the Central Panay Mountain Range. The forest of Antique is also selected for the development of hydropower plants and wind farms. All these developments are within the forest primary and secondary forest which threats more on these species.
Population
For our study on RHH and Visayan Hornbill in CPMR (Reintar et, al. 2022), we estimated 1,000–2,499 mature individuals with the total number of individuals at 1,500–4,000 for Panay Island. Which is the stronghold of the species. In Negros Island although we have previous records, we need to conduct more surveys in all sites to confirm records. But still, the population of RHH undergo an extremely rapid decline over the next few years as a result of intense hunting pressures in its stronghold in Central Panay Mountain Range and high pressure in conversion of forest to agriculture and maybe across Panay Island Forest. The species might be disappeared in Negros Island but need to be confirmed. For these, the RHH current population trend is decreasing.
With Negros Island’s lowland forest estimates raptly 20,000 to 22,000 (Paguntalan et, al. 2021) but there are few remaining lowland forests and mostly secondary forests and advanced secondary forests. The remaining primary forest in Negros Island are mostly higher elevation forest from 1000 ASL up.
Conservation Action
The Central Panay Mountain Range was proposed as a protected area decades ago but it didn’t prosper. However, in 2023 after several years of discussion, the Regional Development Council of Western Visayas came out with a resolution requesting the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Region 6 to conduct a Protected Areas Suitability Assessment (PASA) and declare Central Panay Mountain range as protected area under the National Integrated Protected Areas System (RA 7586). In support to the PASA Philippines Biodiversity Conservation Foundation, Inc. (PhilBio) conducted several assessments in some selected forests to support the PASA. In 2024 the DENR is targeting to develop a draft bill for the declaration of CPMR as a protected area.
In Panay Island, several activities are also in line with the Province of Antique together with PhilBio and Haribon Foundation would like to continue the second Hornbill Count or Dulungan Count which we have at least 120 volunteers counting the hornbill and collecting habitat characteristic data in each transect sites. Haribon Foundation is targeting Aklan Forest r survey this year. Haribon Foundation, UNDP, and PhilBio is also planning to conduct and localize the Philippines Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (PBSAP) this year or next year in line with the Kunming Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. The Regional Development Council also requested DENR to develop the regional biodiversity action plan in partnership with PhilBio however the plan needed to be localized as a province to gain support. The province of Antique and several municipalities are now organizing its local forest protection activities, particularly in the Province of Antique particularly the Municipality of Sebaste.
In Negros Island, the Balinsasayao Twin Lakes Natural Park and the newest ASEAN Heritage site continuously conduct synchronized biodiversity monitoring or hornbill count biannually led by BTLNP Protected Area Management Office in participation of different volunteers and protected area management board members. PhilBio in Partnership with DENR conducts training on biodiversity monitoring systems in Mt Kanla-on Natural Park and Northern Negros Natural Park within the year.
The DENR Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office leads the conduct of the Protected Areas Suitability Assessment in partnership with the Environment and Natural Resources Division of the Province of Negros Oriental and PhilBio. A survey was also concluded led by PhilBio, Environment and Natural Resources Division of the Province of Negros Oriental, the Mindanao State University Iligan Institute of Technology, and different local government units, concluded the survey within the higher elevation primary forest and lowland secondary and mixed forest plantation within the Cuernos de Negros Mountain Range. This mountain range will be proposed as protected area within the province of Negros Oriental. The Provinces of Negros Oriental and Occidental respectively also strengthened forest protection activities by deputizing forest rangers in all local government units as well as providing the budget for forest rehabilitation in key important sites. The DENR is also conducting forest rehabilitation through its National Greening Program. Both provinces of Negros Occidental and Oriental are also updating the Negros Island Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan in line with Kunming Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
The DENR Biodiversity Management Bureau together with PhilBio and Philippine Government CITES representative is proposing the two critically endangered hornbills under CITES 1.
Moving forward
The Rhabdotorrhinus waldeni still warrants the Critically Endangered A2cd criterion rather the proposed Endangered because of the imminent threats and the forest stronghold within the Central Panay Mountain Range is not a nationally protected area. The threats to the species are not just poaching or hunting but also the development of renewable energies within its important forest range in the province of Antique. So downlisting to endangered now is not the right time. There is no concrete study to support population estimates within its range to downlist the species as endangered. It is also important to collect robust and scientific data to have a more reliable population estimate. PhilBio and partners will continue to conduct monitoring and collect robust data to have a more realistic population estimate using distance software however, we have some current funding constraints. Estimates should be based on science and reliable data, not on feelings.
References
Negros Island Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (2018). DENR- BMB and Philippines Biodiversity Conservation Foundation Inc., Bacolod City.
Paguntalan, L.J., Reintar A.R., & Jakosalem, P.G.C. (2021). Population density of Visayan Tarictic Hornbill Penelopides panini on Negros Island, Philippines. Journal of Asian Ornithology 37 (2021): 93–98.
Reintar A.R., Paguntalan, L.J., Jakosalem, P.G.C., Quidet, A.C.D., Warguez, D.A., & Peñaranda, E. (2022). Habitat preference and population density of threatened Visayan hornbills Penelopides panini and Rhabdotorrhinus waldeni in the Philippines. Journal of Threatened Taxa. Vol. 14. No 3.
Regarding the range, we no longer find the species in NW Panay. PhilinCon and Bristol Zoo have been conducting bird surveys there for the past three years and there have been no detections.
Until recently international trade was not considered a severe threat for the rufous-headed hornbill but in 2024 two birds were recorded in Indonesia and three birds, a male and two females, were offered for sale in Hungary. This recent development and the increased demand for exotic hornbill species in India is of some concern. Data is being compiled in the Hornbills in Trade Database (Bruslund, S. et al. (2025). Hornbills in Trade Database (version 1.0). Monitor Conservation Research Society. Accessed at https://www.hitdb.org/).
Threats:
As mentioned previously, there is a newly constructed dam in Aklan (11°30’48.4″N 122°11’02.1″E) located in the middle of the forest, which is also the site considered the stronghold of the species’ population. This is situated in the northern parts of Central Panay Mountains, which is among the few remaining pristine lowland forests on the island. The construction of the dam, including the road development towards the dam, made massive disturbances for the species and other wildlife. They used explosive devices during the road construction which damaged forest habitat and large trees. The road development also gave easier access for the people to the forests, which may cause additional pressures to the species and their habitat.
Apart from the dam, there are around 3 or 4 ongoing road development projects by the national government crossing the Central Panay Mountains. In the southern part, there is the Iloilo to Antique road, Antique to Capiz road in central parts, and the Aklan to Antique road in the northern parts of Central Panay Mountains. This project will cause irreversible harm to the species and its habitat on the Island.
There are also mining proposals in the southern parts of Antique which will be a massive threat to all Panay endemic species.
There are also recent reports and seizures on trade of the species, which indicates that hunting pressure is ongoing in the Island. The species is known to return to the same nest each breeding season, and once these nests are discovered by poachers, they become easy targets for collecting the chicks for trade.
What have we done so far:
From 2018 to 2023, we have conducted field surveys and established more than 10 3-kilometer transects across Central Panay Mountains (CPM) to estimate the species population. More than 150 individuals were observed during these surveys, which led to an initial estimate of around 5000 individuals. Most of the observations were in the northern parts of CPM while there are very few detections in southern CPM.
We have conducted food and nest tree preferences studies in the northern parts of CPM to identify important tree species for the Rufous-headed Hornbill. We have observed around 20 tree/fruit species for food and 12 nest tree species. Unfortunately, many of these trees are also threatened under the IUCN and Philippine Red List categories.
Since 2017, we have trained more than 150 Bantay Gubat (local forest guards) in Aklan and Antique to help in monitoring the species as well as reporting illegal forest activities. The main challenge is to gather support from the local government for monitoring activities as well as financial support for the Banty Gubat. We provided training and initial funds for sustainable livelihood for these Bantay Gubat groups, but the projects can not provide financial support. We have developed a Forest Protection and Law Enforcement Plan (FPLEP) in at least 5 municipalities in Aklan and Antique to detail forest protection and monitoring needs of the Bantay Gubat, which will be the basis for support from the local government.
In 2019, in partnership with the provincial government of Antique, the month of August was declared as Dulungan (local name of Rufous-headed Hornbill) Month in the province. Dulungan is the provincial bird of Antique which is highlighted during August. Awareness-raising activities are regularly conducted throughout the month-long celebration, targeting communities near the forest habitat as well as the general public. Last 2024, in partnership with PhilBio, PhilIncon, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and the provincial government of Antique, we conducted the first simultaneous hornbill count, which will be conducted every year to monitor the species population in Antique.
Haribon is currently implementing a project toward the declaration of Central Panay Mountain Range as a full protected area. This might take a long time but hopefully by the end of 2030, the stronghold of the Rufous-headed Hornbill’s population (CPM) is declared as a protected area by the Philippine Government.
Future actions:
Provide support for species and habitat monitoring (Bantay Gubat). Monitoring can be institutionalized at the local or provincial level.
Declare CPM as protected area
Regular/Annual species monitoring across the species’ range.
Restore forest habitat across the species’ range (using Dulungan-friendly and native tree species)
Possible introduction of artificial nests in the southern portions of CPM where lesser large nest trees are observed.
Continuous monitoring of trade pressures and strict implementation of wildlife laws related to illegal trade.
On conservation status:
Previous population estimates using active nest holes in 2008 may not be that accurate, which may not be a good basis for proposed changes in the conservation status. With the current threats faced by the species in Panay Island, which is the only island where the species is considered as functionally breeding, careful considerations must be taken before downlisting. Downlisting may give an impression that the species is now doing okay, which is not true due to the new arising threats across its range.
Many thanks to everyone who has contributed to this discussion. We greatly appreciate the time and effort invested in commenting. The window for consultation is now closed and we are unable to accept any more comments until 25 April 2025. We will now analyse and interpret the information, and we will post a preliminary decision on this species’ Red List category on this page on 25 April 2025, when discussions will re-open.
We thank all contributors for their comments. While we appreciate some commentors’ wish to keep this species Critically Endangered, to ensure acceptance by the IUCN Red List Unit we must be confident it meets the appropriate thresholds. We agree with G. Jakosalem that “Estimates should be based on science and reliable data, not on feelings” but all available data strongly suggest that the global population size of this species exceeds 250 mature individuals (the threshold for CR under Criterion C). Available data also suggest that there is no evidence that Rufous-headed Hornbill meets the thresholds for listing as threatened under any other Criterion. Responding directly to G. Jakosalem’s suggestion that the species warrants Critically Endangered A2cd: This would require that a decline of >80% has occurred over the past three generations (25 years; i.e. since 2000). Given by this time the species’ population size was already minimal on Negros and there is no evidence for total population collapse on Panay, it seems extremely improbable that this threshold is met.
We appreciate the concern raised by D. Quimpo that downlisting this species “may give the impression that the species is now doing okay” – however, ‘Endangered’ is still an unacceptably high extinction risk (described by IUCN as “a very high risk of extinction”) that needs urgent conservation action to address.
Given the responses regarding the species’ status on Negros, we will change all areas mapped presently as ‘Native resident’ on Negros to ‘Possibly extinct’.
Based on available information, our preliminary proposal for the 2025 Red List would be to adopt the proposed classification outlined in the initial forum discussion.
There is now a period for further comments until the final deadline on 4 May 2025, after which the recommended categorisations will be put forward to IUCN.
The final 2025 Red List categories will be published on the BirdLife and IUCN websites in October 2025, following further checking of information relevant to the assessments by both BirdLife and IUCN.
Habitat Loss – Studies and our own surveys show that R. waldeni prefers forest with tall and large trees (above 15 meters tall) and below 1,200 meters elevation. The population estimates used in this analysis may show that the numbers remain high in areas where repeated surveys (Sebaste, Culasi and to some extent Valderama) in the northwestern section and San Remigio (southwestern) of Central Panay Mountain Range), not many areas of this mountain range fits this hornbill requirement. It does not help that tall and large trees in lowland forests (particularly those that were degraded and fragmented) and in gullies are vulnerable to the impacts of increased frequency and intensity of typhoons passing through Panay or Visayas. Nesting trees of Rufous-headed hornbills were not immune to this (we have documented four of the nesting trees in Sebaste and two in San Remigio in 2023-2024 that were destroyed from typhoons; David Quimpo might know more in other areas).
In the last five years, we have seen reports of the species in the international trade and reports of the species in the local trade and hunting are more frequent than a few years ago. And the growing increase of demand for energy-related projects (e.g. wind farms particularly in the lowlands of Antique including Pandan, Sebaste and Culasi), on-going road development cutting sections of Central Panay Mountains into several fragments and the growing demand for mining and housing development in some sections of the lowland forests are real threats to the species. Add to this, the bird flu threats to the species – this is becoming a serious threat in the Philippines in the last five years, and Antique is not immune to this as Panay is part of the trade route. The proposal to declare Central Panay Mountain Range as a protected area is still a proposal until now.
The proposal to declare Negros population as “possibly extinct” now leaves only Central Panay Mountain Range as viable population. With no sub-population and mounting real threats, this species appears to be far more threatened than the Critically endangered Philippine Eagle.
Many thanks to everyone who has contributed to this discussion. We greatly appreciate the time and effort invested in commenting. The window for consultation is now closed and we are unable to accept any more comments. We will analyse and interpret the information, and a final decision on this species’ Red List category will be posted on this page on 12 May 2025.
Whilst I understand the rate of population decrease is not within the CR standard requirements listed above I still believe the species should be considered CR. The population size is still on the lower end (5000 individuals may be over-estimated but also not incorporating breeding success or availability as a long lived species), severely limited habitat availability (especially long term viability regarding nesting sites), and its general Ex Situ and geographic limitations, all remain it as a candidate for CR. As the recommendation above cites, the population is still thought to be either stable to declining, and the threats are far from mitigated, in fact on the cusp of getting worse in the near future with unprotected forest landscapes prime for mining or other anthropogenic destruction.
Also regarding the map, the Negros island locations should be considered as either Extinct or Possibly Extinct, with the species not being confirmed in any Negros forests for more than a decade.
Range
This Rufous-headed Hornbill (RHH) still qualifies as Critically Endangered due to severe hunting pressure and severely fragmented forest in Western Visayas. The species is probably functionally extinct in Negros Island. Were PhilBio’s last records are in Balinsasayao Twin Lakes Natural Park (BTLNP) where 3 individuals seen and observed in 2007 (with Lisa Paguntalan, Prof. Luc Lens and Godfrey); 4 ( individuals were also observed in by the PhilBio-MSU IIT team in Northern Negros Natural Park (NNNP) in 2014 (observers are Andrew Reintar, Kim Doble, Freddie Lozada and Godfrey); and a heard call in Mt Kanla-on Natural Park (MKNP) particularly in Wasay Forest in the Municipality of Murcia in Negros Occidental in 2015. This is the last observation record for the RHH since the sightings. We conducted synchronized biodiversity monitoring in the three protected areas in Negros Island BTLNP, NNNP, and MKNP in 2018 and 2019 the species were not recorded in the three natural parks.
For Panay Island, the species was reported or probably extinct(?) or extirpated in Northwest Panay Peninsula Natural Park(?) and Sibalon Natural Park (?) but needs to be confirmed and conduct more population studies in these sites. The stronghold of the RHH is within the Central Panay Mountain Range, which comprises the four provinces, the province of Antique, Aklan, Capiz, and Iloilo of which Antique and Aklan has the larger forest cover. Our study in raptly estimated around 1,000–2,499 mature individuals with a total number of individuals at 1,500–4,000 (Reintar et, al. 2022) although we still have crude estimate since we are conducting the survey only within two sites of Antique, in Forest of Sebaste and Culasi. We also conducted a study in the forest of Capiz in the Municipality of Pilar Forest where we observed 2 individuals in a lowland forest. Haribon conducted a study within Pandan, Sebaste, Culasi, and Tibiao in 2014, recording some RHH populations. The most recent monitoring activity conducted particularly on the RHH is the Dulungan Count (Hornbill Count) a synchronized biodiversity monitoring system conducted within 10 municipalities of Antique where we counted at more than 60 individuals in 5 localities, particularly in Sebaste (11), San Remigio (4), Pandan (10), Culasi (1), and Barbaza (1). A total of 30 RHH was recorded.
There’s a need to conduct more surveys in Aklan where the Forest is continuous with Antique Forest, particularly in the forest of Madalag and Ibajay forests where we recorded several individuals regularly in different transects. There’s also a need to conduct some surveys in Mibacao, Malinao, and other forests within the Aklan River Watershed, in forests of Lambunao, Janiuay, and Maasin, for the Municipality of Iloilo for confirmation on the presence of the species
Habitat
The species occurs in lowland forests, particularly in primary forests (Reintar et, al. 2022). We only had a few records in the secondary forest. In our recent survey in 2024 in Sebaste Forest survey the species mostly observed in the primary forest however, we also observed the species in advanced secondary forest. In 2016 our other transect line was within the primary forest advanced secondary forest but in 2024 some portion of the advanced secondary forest was converted into a coconut plantation and there are additional clearings were also observed particularly on the gullies and near river banks. On the Hornbill Count, results from the species were mostly observed in the primary forest and few sightings in the secondary forest.
Threats
There are several threats identified for RHH, like loss of habitat particularly lowland forest within Negros and Panay. The species was also recorded in Guimaras but is currently extirpated in the island. The species was heavily targeted by hunters and local trade within the province of Akland and poaching of juveniles within the forests of Antique and Aklan. We observed poacher camps and traps for other threatened species. In Antique we observed the changes of forests in 2016 and 2024. Encroachment for agriculture was prominently observed in several sites like Sebaste, Culasi, and San Remigio Antique. As well as other sites within the Central Panay Mountain Range. The forest of Antique is also selected for the development of hydropower plants and wind farms. All these developments are within the forest primary and secondary forest which threats more on these species.
Population
For our study on RHH and Visayan Hornbill in CPMR (Reintar et, al. 2022), we estimated 1,000–2,499 mature individuals with the total number of individuals at 1,500–4,000 for Panay Island. Which is the stronghold of the species. In Negros Island although we have previous records, we need to conduct more surveys in all sites to confirm records. But still, the population of RHH undergo an extremely rapid decline over the next few years as a result of intense hunting pressures in its stronghold in Central Panay Mountain Range and high pressure in conversion of forest to agriculture and maybe across Panay Island Forest. The species might be disappeared in Negros Island but need to be confirmed. For these, the RHH current population trend is decreasing.
With Negros Island’s lowland forest estimates raptly 20,000 to 22,000 (Paguntalan et, al. 2021) but there are few remaining lowland forests and mostly secondary forests and advanced secondary forests. The remaining primary forest in Negros Island are mostly higher elevation forest from 1000 ASL up.
Conservation Action
The Central Panay Mountain Range was proposed as a protected area decades ago but it didn’t prosper. However, in 2023 after several years of discussion, the Regional Development Council of Western Visayas came out with a resolution requesting the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Region 6 to conduct a Protected Areas Suitability Assessment (PASA) and declare Central Panay Mountain range as protected area under the National Integrated Protected Areas System (RA 7586). In support to the PASA Philippines Biodiversity Conservation Foundation, Inc. (PhilBio) conducted several assessments in some selected forests to support the PASA. In 2024 the DENR is targeting to develop a draft bill for the declaration of CPMR as a protected area.
In Panay Island, several activities are also in line with the Province of Antique together with PhilBio and Haribon Foundation would like to continue the second Hornbill Count or Dulungan Count which we have at least 120 volunteers counting the hornbill and collecting habitat characteristic data in each transect sites. Haribon Foundation is targeting Aklan Forest r survey this year. Haribon Foundation, UNDP, and PhilBio is also planning to conduct and localize the Philippines Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (PBSAP) this year or next year in line with the Kunming Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. The Regional Development Council also requested DENR to develop the regional biodiversity action plan in partnership with PhilBio however the plan needed to be localized as a province to gain support. The province of Antique and several municipalities are now organizing its local forest protection activities, particularly in the Province of Antique particularly the Municipality of Sebaste.
In Negros Island, the Balinsasayao Twin Lakes Natural Park and the newest ASEAN Heritage site continuously conduct synchronized biodiversity monitoring or hornbill count biannually led by BTLNP Protected Area Management Office in participation of different volunteers and protected area management board members. PhilBio in Partnership with DENR conducts training on biodiversity monitoring systems in Mt Kanla-on Natural Park and Northern Negros Natural Park within the year.
The DENR Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office leads the conduct of the Protected Areas Suitability Assessment in partnership with the Environment and Natural Resources Division of the Province of Negros Oriental and PhilBio. A survey was also concluded led by PhilBio, Environment and Natural Resources Division of the Province of Negros Oriental, the Mindanao State University Iligan Institute of Technology, and different local government units, concluded the survey within the higher elevation primary forest and lowland secondary and mixed forest plantation within the Cuernos de Negros Mountain Range. This mountain range will be proposed as protected area within the province of Negros Oriental. The Provinces of Negros Oriental and Occidental respectively also strengthened forest protection activities by deputizing forest rangers in all local government units as well as providing the budget for forest rehabilitation in key important sites. The DENR is also conducting forest rehabilitation through its National Greening Program. Both provinces of Negros Occidental and Oriental are also updating the Negros Island Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan in line with Kunming Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
The DENR Biodiversity Management Bureau together with PhilBio and Philippine Government CITES representative is proposing the two critically endangered hornbills under CITES 1.
Moving forward
The Rhabdotorrhinus waldeni still warrants the Critically Endangered A2cd criterion rather the proposed Endangered because of the imminent threats and the forest stronghold within the Central Panay Mountain Range is not a nationally protected area. The threats to the species are not just poaching or hunting but also the development of renewable energies within its important forest range in the province of Antique. So downlisting to endangered now is not the right time. There is no concrete study to support population estimates within its range to downlist the species as endangered. It is also important to collect robust and scientific data to have a more reliable population estimate. PhilBio and partners will continue to conduct monitoring and collect robust data to have a more realistic population estimate using distance software however, we have some current funding constraints. Estimates should be based on science and reliable data, not on feelings.
References
Negros Island Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (2018). DENR- BMB and Philippines Biodiversity Conservation Foundation Inc., Bacolod City.
Paguntalan, L.J., Reintar A.R., & Jakosalem, P.G.C. (2021). Population density of Visayan Tarictic Hornbill Penelopides panini on Negros Island, Philippines. Journal of Asian Ornithology 37 (2021): 93–98.
Reintar A.R., Paguntalan, L.J., Jakosalem, P.G.C., Quidet, A.C.D., Warguez, D.A., & Peñaranda, E. (2022). Habitat preference and population density of threatened Visayan hornbills Penelopides panini and Rhabdotorrhinus waldeni in the Philippines. Journal of Threatened Taxa. Vol. 14. No 3.
Regarding the range, we no longer find the species in NW Panay. PhilinCon and Bristol Zoo have been conducting bird surveys there for the past three years and there have been no detections.
Until recently international trade was not considered a severe threat for the rufous-headed hornbill but in 2024 two birds were recorded in Indonesia and three birds, a male and two females, were offered for sale in Hungary. This recent development and the increased demand for exotic hornbill species in India is of some concern. Data is being compiled in the Hornbills in Trade Database (Bruslund, S. et al. (2025). Hornbills in Trade Database (version 1.0). Monitor Conservation Research Society. Accessed at https://www.hitdb.org/).
Threats:
As mentioned previously, there is a newly constructed dam in Aklan (11°30’48.4″N 122°11’02.1″E) located in the middle of the forest, which is also the site considered the stronghold of the species’ population. This is situated in the northern parts of Central Panay Mountains, which is among the few remaining pristine lowland forests on the island. The construction of the dam, including the road development towards the dam, made massive disturbances for the species and other wildlife. They used explosive devices during the road construction which damaged forest habitat and large trees. The road development also gave easier access for the people to the forests, which may cause additional pressures to the species and their habitat.
Apart from the dam, there are around 3 or 4 ongoing road development projects by the national government crossing the Central Panay Mountains. In the southern part, there is the Iloilo to Antique road, Antique to Capiz road in central parts, and the Aklan to Antique road in the northern parts of Central Panay Mountains. This project will cause irreversible harm to the species and its habitat on the Island.
There are also mining proposals in the southern parts of Antique which will be a massive threat to all Panay endemic species.
There are also recent reports and seizures on trade of the species, which indicates that hunting pressure is ongoing in the Island. The species is known to return to the same nest each breeding season, and once these nests are discovered by poachers, they become easy targets for collecting the chicks for trade.
What have we done so far:
From 2018 to 2023, we have conducted field surveys and established more than 10 3-kilometer transects across Central Panay Mountains (CPM) to estimate the species population. More than 150 individuals were observed during these surveys, which led to an initial estimate of around 5000 individuals. Most of the observations were in the northern parts of CPM while there are very few detections in southern CPM.
We have conducted food and nest tree preferences studies in the northern parts of CPM to identify important tree species for the Rufous-headed Hornbill. We have observed around 20 tree/fruit species for food and 12 nest tree species. Unfortunately, many of these trees are also threatened under the IUCN and Philippine Red List categories.
Since 2017, we have trained more than 150 Bantay Gubat (local forest guards) in Aklan and Antique to help in monitoring the species as well as reporting illegal forest activities. The main challenge is to gather support from the local government for monitoring activities as well as financial support for the Banty Gubat. We provided training and initial funds for sustainable livelihood for these Bantay Gubat groups, but the projects can not provide financial support. We have developed a Forest Protection and Law Enforcement Plan (FPLEP) in at least 5 municipalities in Aklan and Antique to detail forest protection and monitoring needs of the Bantay Gubat, which will be the basis for support from the local government.
In 2019, in partnership with the provincial government of Antique, the month of August was declared as Dulungan (local name of Rufous-headed Hornbill) Month in the province. Dulungan is the provincial bird of Antique which is highlighted during August. Awareness-raising activities are regularly conducted throughout the month-long celebration, targeting communities near the forest habitat as well as the general public. Last 2024, in partnership with PhilBio, PhilIncon, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and the provincial government of Antique, we conducted the first simultaneous hornbill count, which will be conducted every year to monitor the species population in Antique.
Haribon is currently implementing a project toward the declaration of Central Panay Mountain Range as a full protected area. This might take a long time but hopefully by the end of 2030, the stronghold of the Rufous-headed Hornbill’s population (CPM) is declared as a protected area by the Philippine Government.
Future actions:
Provide support for species and habitat monitoring (Bantay Gubat). Monitoring can be institutionalized at the local or provincial level.
Declare CPM as protected area
Regular/Annual species monitoring across the species’ range.
Restore forest habitat across the species’ range (using Dulungan-friendly and native tree species)
Possible introduction of artificial nests in the southern portions of CPM where lesser large nest trees are observed.
Continuous monitoring of trade pressures and strict implementation of wildlife laws related to illegal trade.
On conservation status:
Previous population estimates using active nest holes in 2008 may not be that accurate, which may not be a good basis for proposed changes in the conservation status. With the current threats faced by the species in Panay Island, which is the only island where the species is considered as functionally breeding, careful considerations must be taken before downlisting. Downlisting may give an impression that the species is now doing okay, which is not true due to the new arising threats across its range.
Many thanks to everyone who has contributed to this discussion. We greatly appreciate the time and effort invested in commenting. The window for consultation is now closed and we are unable to accept any more comments until 25 April 2025. We will now analyse and interpret the information, and we will post a preliminary decision on this species’ Red List category on this page on 25 April 2025, when discussions will re-open.
Preliminary proposal
We thank all contributors for their comments. While we appreciate some commentors’ wish to keep this species Critically Endangered, to ensure acceptance by the IUCN Red List Unit we must be confident it meets the appropriate thresholds. We agree with G. Jakosalem that “Estimates should be based on science and reliable data, not on feelings” but all available data strongly suggest that the global population size of this species exceeds 250 mature individuals (the threshold for CR under Criterion C). Available data also suggest that there is no evidence that Rufous-headed Hornbill meets the thresholds for listing as threatened under any other Criterion. Responding directly to G. Jakosalem’s suggestion that the species warrants Critically Endangered A2cd: This would require that a decline of >80% has occurred over the past three generations (25 years; i.e. since 2000). Given by this time the species’ population size was already minimal on Negros and there is no evidence for total population collapse on Panay, it seems extremely improbable that this threshold is met.
We appreciate the concern raised by D. Quimpo that downlisting this species “may give the impression that the species is now doing okay” – however, ‘Endangered’ is still an unacceptably high extinction risk (described by IUCN as “a very high risk of extinction”) that needs urgent conservation action to address.
Given the responses regarding the species’ status on Negros, we will change all areas mapped presently as ‘Native resident’ on Negros to ‘Possibly extinct’.
Based on available information, our preliminary proposal for the 2025 Red List would be to adopt the proposed classification outlined in the initial forum discussion.
There is now a period for further comments until the final deadline on 4 May 2025, after which the recommended categorisations will be put forward to IUCN.
The final 2025 Red List categories will be published on the BirdLife and IUCN websites in October 2025, following further checking of information relevant to the assessments by both BirdLife and IUCN.
Habitat Loss – Studies and our own surveys show that R. waldeni prefers forest with tall and large trees (above 15 meters tall) and below 1,200 meters elevation. The population estimates used in this analysis may show that the numbers remain high in areas where repeated surveys (Sebaste, Culasi and to some extent Valderama) in the northwestern section and San Remigio (southwestern) of Central Panay Mountain Range), not many areas of this mountain range fits this hornbill requirement. It does not help that tall and large trees in lowland forests (particularly those that were degraded and fragmented) and in gullies are vulnerable to the impacts of increased frequency and intensity of typhoons passing through Panay or Visayas. Nesting trees of Rufous-headed hornbills were not immune to this (we have documented four of the nesting trees in Sebaste and two in San Remigio in 2023-2024 that were destroyed from typhoons; David Quimpo might know more in other areas).
In the last five years, we have seen reports of the species in the international trade and reports of the species in the local trade and hunting are more frequent than a few years ago. And the growing increase of demand for energy-related projects (e.g. wind farms particularly in the lowlands of Antique including Pandan, Sebaste and Culasi), on-going road development cutting sections of Central Panay Mountains into several fragments and the growing demand for mining and housing development in some sections of the lowland forests are real threats to the species. Add to this, the bird flu threats to the species – this is becoming a serious threat in the Philippines in the last five years, and Antique is not immune to this as Panay is part of the trade route. The proposal to declare Central Panay Mountain Range as a protected area is still a proposal until now.
The proposal to declare Negros population as “possibly extinct” now leaves only Central Panay Mountain Range as viable population. With no sub-population and mounting real threats, this species appears to be far more threatened than the Critically endangered Philippine Eagle.
Many thanks to everyone who has contributed to this discussion. We greatly appreciate the time and effort invested in commenting. The window for consultation is now closed and we are unable to accept any more comments. We will analyse and interpret the information, and a final decision on this species’ Red List category will be posted on this page on 12 May 2025.