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Indian Grey Hornbill Returns to Gir Forest After 60 Years

18 July 20261 min read
ENVIRONMENT & ECOLOGYIndian GreyHornbill Returnsto Gir Forest After60 Years18 July 2026safalsetu.com

Why in the news

After a gap of over six decades, the Indian Grey Hornbill is again found in Gujarat’s Gir Forest. A reintroduction effort by the state forest department made this possible.

Key facts

  • Location of return: Gir Forest, Gujarat.
  • Absence lasted over 60 years.
  • Agency behind the programme: Gujarat Forest Department.
  • Scientific name: Ocyceros birostris; family Bucerotidae.

About the species

  • A medium-sized, tree-dwelling (arboreal) bird.
  • Among the most widespread hornbills of the Indian subcontinent.
  • Endemic to the subcontinent, found in India, Pakistan, Nepal and Bangladesh.
  • IUCN status: Least Concern (LC).
AttributeDetail
HabitArboreal
Range countriesIndia, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh
IUCN categoryLeast Concern

Exam angle

  • Family: Bucerotidae, the hornbill family.
  • Place of reintroduction: Gir Forest in Gujarat.
  • Conservation tag: Least Concern.

Test yourself

1. The Indian Grey Hornbill recently returned to which forest after more than 60 years?

It returned to Gir Forest in Gujarat after over six decades.

2. What is the IUCN status of the Indian Grey Hornbill?

The notes list it as Least Concern.

3. To which family does the Indian Grey Hornbill, Ocyceros birostris, belong?

It belongs to Bucerotidae, the hornbill family.