Hornbills, known as the “farmers of the forest,” are crucial in maintaining biodiversity in the Western Ghats by dispersing seeds across vast areas. Many wild trees rely on them for regeneration, making their survival essential to forest ecosystems. However, hornbill populations are declining due to habitat loss, climate change, and low offspring survival. Their slow reproductive cycle makes recovery challenging, threatening ecological balance.
The "Farmers of the Forest" project celebrates the stories of hornbills and the people dedicated to preserving them. Pratik More cultivates hornbill food plants, Pooja Pawar studies their adaptation to human landscapes, and Milind Patil restores native plants, reminding us of the interconnectedness of all life.
