Ecology of Hornbills on the Campus of Shri Shivaji College, Parbhani, Maharashtra
Author : SM Yeole
Abstract :
Hornbills play a pivotal role in tropical and subtropical ecosystems as primary seed dispersers and indicators of habitat integrity. This study investigates the ecology of hornbills on the campus of Shri Shivaji College, Parbhani, situated in the Marathwada region of Maharashtra. Employing a combination of systematic field observations, local ecological knowledge, and literature review, the research documents species presence, behavioral ecology, habitat preferences, and threats to hornbill populations. Emphasis is placed on the Indian Grey Hornbill, with particular attention to nesting patterns, feeding behavior, and conservation opportunities within urban green spaces. Findings suggest that semi-urban ecosystems like the college campus can support viable hornbill populations, provided that native tree cover is preserved and augmented. The study concludes with a call for community-led conservation and integration of hornbill ecology into local biodiversity management initiatives.
Keywords :
Common Hornbill, Ecology, Shivaji College, Parbhani.
