• Bioparc Fuengirola is the most active park in Spain in the conservation of hornbills, seriously exotic birds threatened
• The Malaga park is committed to adapting its protocols to nature and has recorded up to six layings in different species of hornbills since the arrival of the birds in mid-2018

In mid-2018 Bioparc Fuengirola expanded the number of conservation programs exsitu in which it participates through EAZA with three conservation programs dedicated to the preservation of the bicornuate hornbill (Bicorned Hornbills), the Papuan hornbill (Rhyticeros plicatus) and the black-gorgeous hornbill (Rhyticeros undulatus). Currently, the wild populations of these species are in danger of extinction due to the illegal trafficking of wild animals and the hunting of wild birds as pets, a widespread custom in Southeast Asia.

At the same time, it increased the number of conservation programs in which it participates, adding a total of 44 conservation programs. exsitu. Bioparc Fuengirola thus becomes the most active park in Spain in the conservation of these beautiful birds., housing 4 of the 16 species described today, all of them in danger of extinction.

Hornbill conservation is full of challenges. In recent years, conservation programs have barely recorded any births of these species in Europe. and the reproduction process is full of particularities. Females are very selective and the stimulation of the male is essential for her to ovulate. On the other hand, Unlike other birds in which both build the nest, in hornbills they are the ones who build it. They do this by choosing cavities found in high areas of the trees. From that moment on, it is the male who provides 100% of the food for the mother and offspring. When they break the shell, the mother practically covers the access to the nest with a type of cement that she makes herself, leaving only a small opening so that the male can continue providing food. This circumstance lasts until approximately two months have passed, when the new generation approaches the size of an adult and is ready to make its first glide.

Another of the peculiarities of this challenge

ra Bioparc Fuengirola has been the situation of individuals since these are fertile birds, but of advanced age, which had also not reproduced or recorded laying in the last ten years.

Regardless of these circumstances and in the face of any prognosis, Bioparc Fuengirola prepared the facilities and adapted the protocols for any of the circumstances that could occur, such as reproduction. That is why all the facilities that house hornbills have cavities so that the females can build their nests, small facilities equipped with infrared cameras and datalogger to record information about humidity and temperature. Besides, Observation protocols were increased and nutrition protocols were expanded so that, when copulations or positive behavior of the male towards the female and vice versa were observed, the diets were enriched with proteins. Although it is a frugivorous species, both in the breeding season and in the breeding period, hornbills demand foods rich in protein.

The preparation of the human team, the adaptation of the facilities and diets, the good character of the individuals and the rainy season, against all forecasts, has allowed Bioparc Fuengirola to register up to six clutches in two of the four species since their arrival at the park, just 20 months ago.. Although none of the clutches have hatched, the team is very satisfied. Firstly, because the chances of registering a clutch in such a short time were very slim. And secondly, for the evolution of successive layings in which very positive behavior is observed, both in the females who constantly take care of the eggs, and in the males who feed the females during this period.

The veterinarians and technicians at Bioparc Fuengirola anticipate that The laying will continue to be repeated throughout this year and it is even expected to record some laying of other species, such as that of the Visayas hornbills., a species in which signs of possible courtship have already been observed.

The reproduction of endangered species is one of the responsibilities that EAZA member parks carry out within European conservation programs. Along with research, knowledge of the species and the premise of always ensuring the well-being of animals and individuals, reproduction is key to the very survival of threatened species in parallel with awareness for the preservation of nature.