As the largest hornbill species, Southern Ground Hornbills command attention with their imposing presence and distinctive breeding habits, which reflect the slow but deliberate pace of their reproductive strategy.

Indeed, Southern Ground Hornbills exemplify the principle that good things take time, as evidenced by their remarkably low reproductive rate. Mating pairs typically produce just two eggs every nine years, and even then, only one of the two chicks typically survives to adulthood—a testament to the challenges of raising offspring in the African wilderness. While this slow reproductive rate may seem counterintuitive in a world of fast-paced evolution and adaptation, it underscores the importance of long-term investment in the survival of each individual offspring.

Despite their formidable size and striking appearance, Southern Ground Hornbills face threats to their survival, primarily due to habitat loss, fragmentation, and human disturbance. As the savannas and woodlands of Africa increasingly succumb to agricultural expansion, urbanization, and unsustainable land management practices, the natural habitats of these birds are shrinking, placing pressure on their populations. Conservation efforts aimed at protecting and restoring their habitats, implementing sustainable land management practices, and raising awareness about the importance of biodiversity conservation are, therefore, crucial for ensuring the long-term survival of this iconic species.

In addition to their reproductive habits, Southern Ground Hornbills are also known for their distinctive physical features, including a bright red patch of skin on the face extending towards the neck region. This bare skin, which contains a speck of purple among the females, serves both ornamental and practical purposes, playing a role in communication, thermoregulation, and social signaling within the group.

When it comes to diet, Southern Ground Hornbills exhibit a diverse palate, feasting on a variety of prey items found close to the ground. From small insects and reptiles to seeds and fruits, these birds play a vital role in controlling pest populations and dispersing seeds, thereby contributing to the health and functioning of their ecosystems.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

Angola

2016

Botswana

2016

Burundi

2016

DR Congo (Kinshasa)

2016

Eswatini

2016

Kenya

2016

Lesotho

2016

Malawi

2016

Mozambique

2016

Namibia

2016

Rwanda

2016

South Africa

2016

Tanzania

2016

Uganda

2016

Zambia

2016

Zimbabwe

2016

Did you know?

• Known for being territorial and highly social birds that rear their offspring in groups, which involves extensive parental guidance and may last up to two years. This process is the longest of any bird species that has been observed.