Bioparc Fuengirola proudly celebrates the birth of three Papuan hornbill chicks (Rhyticeros plicatus), an event of enormous relevance for the conservation of this species in Europe.
The birth of these chicks is the result of a reproductive process as complex as it is fascinating. The female, following the characteristic behavior of hornbills, remained inside the log nest for weeks, carefully sealed with mud, droppings, and plant debris, leaving only a small slit through which the male introduced food. There she incubated the eggs and protected the newborn chicks in a safe environment isolated from the outside world.
After a delicate incubation and the combined efforts of both parents, the chicks hatched and remained sheltered in the nest, completely dependent on their parents' care until they reached the age to emerge. The mother has spent up to five months inside the nest, dependent on the male for support.
After several weeks inside, Two of the chicks have already left the nest and can be seen in the outdoor facility at Bioparc Fuengirola, where visitors have the opportunity to observe this spectacular species up close and learn more about its unique biology. The third chick, the smallest in the clutch, remains inside the nest, although it is expected to join the group outside in the coming weeks. Until then, it will be fed by its parents outside.
Importance of Papuan Hornbill Conservation
The Papuan hornbill is listed as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List. Although their situation is less critical than that of other hornbills, their populations are threatened by deforestation of the tropical forests of New Guinea and the surrounding islands, as well as by the hunting for consumption and trade.
It is a large bird with an imposing presence, recognizable by its voluminous beak crowned by a helmet and by its marked sexual dimorphism: the males have a white neck but a striking golden mane, in contrast to the black plumage of the rest of the body, while the females have a dark brown mane. females are completely blackThis contrast makes the species one of the most striking in its family. It also plays an essential role as a seed disperser, since their frugivorous diet contributes to the regeneration of tropical forests. Interestingly, they travel in noisy groups, and their flight produces an unmistakable, sonorous wingbeat that resonates in the jungle's dense forest.
Bioparc Fuengirola, a benchmark in hornbill breeding in Spain
With this new birth, Bioparc Fuengirola consolidates its position as a leader in Spain in the protection and reproduction of hornbills. In recent years, the park has already achieved pioneering milestones in our country, such as the breeding of Visayan hornbill, one of the most endangered species of this group of birds, and the reproduction of the black-throated hornbill.
These achievements reinforce the importance of coordinated work between zoological institutions to ensure the survival of emblematic species whose future is at risk in their natural habitat.
