Visayan hornbill found wounded in Antique dies

A critically endangered Visayan tarictic hornbill (scientific name: Penelopides panini) that was found wounded in Antique has died.

According to "24 Oras" on Thursday, a resident found the wounded bird in a weakened state in the forests of Sitio Suyan on Saturday afternoon.

The lower part of the bird's beak was cut off and a wound was also found around its bottom. The resident tried to treat the wounded bird but it died the following day. Its remains were turned over to the barangay office in Brgy. Tigbalua 1 in Sibalom, Antique.

"Nakakalungkot at nakakapanghinayang po kasi endangered na po 'yung ibon na nahuli at namatay," said barangay captain Mark Raymond Combong.

The Visayan tarictic hornbill can only be found in the Philippines and is endemic to Visayas, per Kuya Kim. It has also been previously spotted on Ticao Island.

The Visayan hornbill is characterzed by its large beak and is also known for its loud trill, hence its local name "tariktik."

Hornbills are named such due to the casque or horn-like structure on top of their beak.

"Ayon sa mga pag-aaral 'yung casque nagsisilbing accessory for mating for some species of hornbills. Ginagamit din nila to para ma-regulate or mapalakas 'yung kanilang mga calls," said wildlife biologist Vince Angelo Gicaraya.

Meanwhile, Combong said that the Visayan hornbill was possibly hit by a slingshot. The barangay is set to conduct an investigation to find the culprit behind the critically endangered bird's death.

"P100,000 to P1 million daw po 'yung penalty, six years imprisonment po pag naputanayan na siya po ang nakahuli," he said.

The remains of the Visayan hornbill will also be turned over to the National Museum of the Philippines for preservation.

"Kukunin daw ng taga Maynila ng National Museum, i-p-preserve daw nila. Tigilan na po natin 'yung pamamaril at pagtirador ng mga ibon," he added.

Gicaraya, on the other hand, emphasized the need for better implementation of wildlife laws, as well as awareness campaigns to ensure the protection of Philippine wildlife.

"We do have a law regarding wildlife. Siguro mas kailangan paigtingin natin 'yung implementation ng mga to. Mahalaga na meron tayong education awareness campaign," said Gicaraya.

— CDC, GMA Integrated News