Palawan hornbill  (Anthracoceros marchei)

On Culion Island, the Palawan hornbill used to be common and approachable; on Palawan however, it has been described as being very wild and wary. This suggests that in the past the hornbill has been hunted regularly on Palawan, and has developed a cautious nature as a result (4) (5). Hunting is likely to pose a continued threat today, along with the collection of eggs and chicks for food and the pet trade, and the destruction of its forest habitat (2) (5). Palawan is perhaps the most forested island in the Philippines, but still has only 54 percent of land forested, and this is under increasing pressure from logging, mining and agriculture (6). The situation on Palawan’s satellite islands is variable; Busuanga Island is said to be irreparably damaged by deforestation, Balabac retains only a small amount of forest, and Culion may still retain 40 percent of its original forest cover (5).

The entire Palawan Island archipelago has been designated a Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO designated site in which solutions to reconcile the conservation of biodiversity with its sustainable use are tested and promoted (7). Within the reserve, hunting of the Palawan hornbill is prohibited, but enforcement of the law is difficult (2). The Palawan hornbill occurs in St Paul Subterranean River National Park, Palawan, where it is reported to be fairly common (4), and also in the El Nido Marine Reserve (5). The Palawan hornbill may greatly benefit from the protection of further areas, increased enforcement of hunting laws and an awareness campaign amongst people who collect wildlife from the forest (1).