
Hornbills rely heavily on a variety of fig fruits as a major part of their diet. These trees also serve as a vital food source for many mammals, birds, and insects, often acting as hunting grounds for predatory wildlife.
These large birds are key species in maintaining forest health. As fig specialists, hornbills can store fruits in their gular pouch or consume them while preserving the integrity of the seeds. They often gather at fruiting fig trees to access the freshest produce and travel long distances to forage. Seeds that fall to the forest floor within their extensive flight paths remain intact, allowing them to germinate and grow into new trees. This makes hornbills vital for seed dispersal and forest regeneration, earning them the nickname ‘Forest Gardeners’.