English: A new study throws light on how dwindling numbers of a particular tree could spell doom for the hornbills.

Hornbills are mostly found in Uttara Kannada district. Silver oak trees, essential for the raising of hornbill chicks, are becoming rare in the forests of Dandeli.

The Kali Tiger Reserve (KTR) once had large numbers of oak trees, but in recent years, timbering and poor replanting have brought down their numbers.

But there is a hope. The foresters in Dandeli have taken up a massive tree planting drive this monsoon. Expert tree transplanters from Mandya and Ramanagaram are working on the planting.

“All the anti-poaching camps will have ficus and other trees which help birds survive. We are also working with private property owners and encouraging them to take up tree planting. Sightings suggest the number of hornbills has increased. We have regular sightings of great pied hornbills in the Dandeli forests.