Distribution status and influence of climate change on patterns of distribution of hornbills in Sri Lanka

Abstract

There is ample evidence for the impacts of recent climatic changes on ecology. Climate plays a major role in the population dynamic of birds. Hornbills are confined to Asia and Africa with only two species present in Sri Lanka. In this study, we utilized field observations and filtered e-bird records to generate current and future climatic models for the two hornbill species in Sri Lanka (Ocyceros gingalensis and Anthracoceros coronatus). Critical reduction of predicted ecological niches was observed in Anthracoceros coronatus throughout the period considered (2000–2100). Special conservation interventions are required for these two species. However, predicted suitable ecological niches for the Ocyceros gingalensis show little reduction towards the wet zone of Sri Lanka. This shift in species distribution boundaries coincides with periods of global warming suggesting a possible connection. This study provides supporting evidence for the possible influence of climate change on hornbill species distribution.