Nest tree utilization by the Malabar Grey Hornbill Ocyceros griseus in the semi-evergreen forest of Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary (S India)

Abstract

The study was carried out between 2000 and 2002 in a semi-evergreen forest in the south-western portion of the Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary, India. A total of 81 cavities in 19 tree species were used for nesting by Malabar Grey Hornbills during the study. Three tree species: Lagerstroemia microcarpa, Terminalia bellirica and T. crenulata together made up 69% of all the nest trees used. The mean height of the nest trees was 36 ± 6 m, girth at breast height 3 ± 1 m and nest height 17 ± 6 m. 35 (67%) nest holes were re-used in 2001 while 21 (40%) nest-holes were re-used in 2002. Terminalia crenulata was the tree re-used most often. Nest fidelity by the Malabar Grey Hornbill was reduced owing to competition by other cavity users.