SPECIES DISTRIBUTION MODELLING OF TWO SYMPATRIC HORNBILLS: THE GREAT HORNBILL AND RUFOUS-NECKED HORNBILL IN BHUTAN

Abstract

The Great hornbill (Buceros bicornis) and Rufous-necked Hornbill (Acerosnepalensis) are listed as vulnerable under the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of threatened species due to the rapid decline of their population in the world. This research focuses on analysing the habitat suitability of these two important birdspecies across Bhutan. A total of 51 presence locations were recorded from the field survey. The models were simulated using three topographic variables and 19 bioclimatic variables. MaxEnt modelling technique was used for delineating the distribution potential habitat suitability map. The habitat suitability analysis for Great hornbill and Rufous-necked hornbill shows that 2% and 3% of Bhutan’s total geographical area were highly suitable, respectively. The approach of this study will be beneficial in identifying suitable areas and aiddecision-makers in management and conservation of these vulnerable bird species.