How interesting. Yes , certainly re-introduction would be a bad idea if the habitat really doesn’t suit them.  I remember Rob Glen, Kerry dad (and serious bird guy) had said that he remembers GHs here. I will ask. Cheers, J
Have you tried making artificial nests for our other hornbills.? I’m told they take to Sisal bases hollowed out.


On 7/30/09 7:54 AM, "Margaret Kinnaird" <mkinnaird@mpala.org> wrote:

Hi James,
Actually ground hornbills do not normally occur in most parts of Laikipia. It's been a big question for me (as Tom B. told you, I'm a hornbill fundi and would love to have ground hornbills here) and I'm beginning to think it has something to do with our scrubbiness.  GHs are found at equally high altitudes so it's not that variable, and they are found in drier (Samburu) and wetter (Nakuru, Mara, etc.) places, so doesn't seem to be a rain issue either. However, they tend to be found in open, savanna ecosystems where they can hunt their prey more easily.  I have asked a number of older Laikipia residents and all noted that they grew up sans GHs (and eles for that matter). Introduction techniques have been developed in SAf, I know the folks well, but it's a big effort and I wouldn't suggest any attempts at introduction into a  habitat that seems not to have ever supported them.
Cheers,
Maggie



At 05:04 30/07/2009, TButynski@aol.com wrote:

Hi James,
 
I have been living much of the time in Laikipia for the past ca. 8 years...mostly on Ol Pejeta Conservancy and now on Soita Nyiro Conservancy....as you know.  I do not recall ever coming across ground hornbills anywhere in Laikipia.  
 
I am copying this to Drs. Margaret Kinnaird and Tim O'Brian of Mpala Research Centre...as they have a particular interest in hornbills and have been at that site for a few years now.  I met with them recently and recall them saying that they had now recorded four species of hornbills on Mpala ... but I do not recall that the ground hornbill was among them.
 
I am also copying this email to James Culverwell...who can put you into contact with the 'ground hornbill people of South Africa'.
 
Regards,
 
Tom
 
In a message dated 7/29/2009 11:29:06 A.M. E. Africa Standard Time, jc@james-christian.com writes:
 

Dear All,
A few quick question: Are there any Ground Hornbills left in Laikipia? Has anyone ever read about reintroductions of Ground Hornbills?  What would exactly would have been the chief cause of extirpation of Ground Hornbills from Laikipia if they have indeed been extirpated?  Where were they once common in the area?
Thanks for your ideas.
Cheers, James Christian


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