The Visayan Tarictic Horbill (Pedelopides Panini) is endemic to the Philippines in the islands of Negros , Guimaras, Masbate, Panay and offshore islands of Sicogon and Pan de Azucar. The tarictic hornbill is now considered endangered specie with only about that 1,800 remaining in their natural habitat in the islands of Panay and Negros.
The male Tarictic Hornbill has cream breast while the female has generally black plumage. The diet of the Tarictic hornbill is fruits and small insects. Thus they have a vital role in the forest ecosystem since they help in pollination and in spreading of seeds.
The female Tarictic Hornbill seals herself in a tree cavity after mating. She stays there for three months where she lays and incubates the eggs. She is fed by the male Tarictic hornbill until the eggs are hatched and the chicks are ready to fly. If the male dies while the female is still inside the cavity, the female eventually dies of starvation.
The number of the Tarictic Hornbills is continuously declining due to hunting and loss of habitat. Captive breeding is currently undertaken in Panay and at Negros Forests and Ecological Foundation Inc. (NFEFI) and Silliman University Center for Tropical Conservation Studies (CenTrop) in Negros.
Just recently, three Tarictic Hornbills born in captivity were released to the wild by the Silliman University Center for Tropical Conservation Studies. The three male hornbills were released at the Balinsasayao-Twin Lakes Natural Park. Their parents were from NFEFI transferred to CenTrop.
The release of captive-bred wildlife is useless if their natural habitat is destroyed. In addition to this, it is also important to conserve and protect the forests they live in.
Visayan Tarictic Hornbills are kept at NFEFI for captive breeding and education purposes. Visit the Biodiversity Conservation Center located at South Capitol Road. They are open daily (except Sundays & Holidays) from 9:00 – 11:30am and 1:30 – 4:00pm. For inquiries, please call 433-9234.