The Indian Grey Hornbill has successfully re-established itself in Gujarat's Gir forests after nearly six decades, thanks to a state-led reintroduction program.
New Delhi, India Jul 14, 2026 ALN: The Indian Grey Hornbill, locally known as the Chilotro, has made a remarkable comeback in Gujarat's Gir forests after being absent for nearly six decades. This successful re-establishment follows a state-led reintroduction programme that has been validated by a new scientific study, confirming that these birds have settled, nested, and begun breeding in the wild once again.
The findings of this study, published in the international peer-reviewed journal 'Birds' under the title 'Reintroduction of Indian Grey Hornbills in Gir, India: Insights into Ranging, Habitat Use, Nesting and Behavioural Patterns', provide a comprehensive assessment of the Forest Department's reintroduction efforts. These efforts were undertaken in collaboration with various partner institutions to restore the Indian Grey Hornbill to Gir, where it had disappeared during the 1950s and 1960s due to habitat loss and hunting.
The recent success of the Indian Grey Hornbill reintroduction comes shortly after another significant conservation milestone was reported by the state Forest Department. A second Great Indian Bustard chick produced through the innovative 'jump-start' technique has survived beyond the critical 40-day period after hatching, highlighting the state’s ongoing commitment to wildlife conservation.
The reintroduction project for the Indian Grey Hornbill began in 2021, when a careful assessment of the habitat conditions in Gir indicated that they had become suitable for the species. The project involved the translocation of hornbills from the Aravalli forests, which are located in the eastern part of Gujarat. A total of 40 hornbills were released in two phases: twenty-eight birds were released in 2021 and 2022, followed by another twelve in 2023.
According to the study's findings, one breeding pair successfully nested during the first year following their release, while three additional breeding pairs established nests in the second year. This indicates that the reintroduction programme has achieved its primary conservation objective of not only bringing the species back to its former habitat but also ensuring that it can thrive and reproduce there.
Forest and Environment Minister Arjun Modhwadia expressed pride in the success of the reintroduction project, stating, "Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, the Gujarat Forest Department has undertaken several important initiatives in the field of wildlife conservation. The success of projects ranging from the conservation of the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard to the reintroduction of the Indian Grey Hornbill are excellent examples of these efforts. The Chilotro was reintroduced into the Gir forests in 2021. Five years have now passed since then. The birds have settled into their new habitat and have also started breeding, demonstrating the success of the project. The successful reintroduction of the Chilotro, which disappeared from the Gir forests during the 1950s and 1960s, is a landmark achievement."
Meanwhile, the Minister of State for Forest and Environment, Pravin Mali, highlighted Gujarat's wildlife conservation model as a global example of effective natural heritage protection. He noted that the achievements resulting from the state government's dedicated wildlife conservation efforts have made the entire country proud.
Vinod Rao, Principal Secretary of the Forest and Environment Department, emphasized the ecological significance of the Indian Grey Hornbill beyond its conservation value. He explained that during the first year after the release of the Chilotro into the Gir forests, one pair successfully bred. In the second year, three additional breeding pairs established nests. This demonstrates that the Chilotro has not only returned to Gir but has also reestablished itself as a vital part of the ecosystem. Rao noted that the species plays a crucial role in dispersing tree seeds over long distances, which is essential for the natural regeneration of forests, particularly through the dispersal of seeds from fruit-bearing trees.
Mohan Ram, Conservator of Forests for the Junagadh Forest Circle and co-author of the study, provided further insights into the reintroduction project. He explained that 40 Indian Grey Hornbills were released in two phases, and to facilitate long-term monitoring of their movements, habitat use, and breeding behaviour, satellite transmitters were fitted to 11 male birds. This technological approach allows researchers to track the birds' adaptation to their new environment and assess the success of the reintroduction.
Ram mentioned that the birds were brought from the forests of Aravalli after scientific studies indicated that Gir once again offered a suitable habitat for the species. The reintroduction efforts were made possible by habitat protection measures implemented after the declaration of the Gir Wildlife Sanctuary in 1965 and the Gir National Park in 1975. These measures have significantly improved the conditions for wildlife in the region.
Dr. Jaipal Singh, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) and Chief Wildlife Warden, reiterated the importance of habitat protection in enabling the return of the Grey Hornbill. He noted that the species had disappeared from Gir decades ago, but improvements in habitat protection following the establishment of the wildlife sanctuary and national park created favourable conditions for the hornbill's return.
Satellite tracking data revealed that the released hornbills initially explored large areas of unfamiliar habitat before establishing smaller home ranges. During the first few months after their release, the birds used an average area of approximately 61 square kilometers, which later reduced to about 5.7 square kilometers as they became established in their new environment. Their average daily movement also declined significantly from 4.3 kilometers during the exploratory phase to 1.4 kilometers after they settled, indicating a successful adaptation to the Gir ecosystem.
The state government has indicated that this reintroduction forms part of broader wildlife conservation efforts across India. These initiatives aim to scientifically reintroduce and monitor locally extinct species in suitable habitats, thereby enhancing biodiversity and ecological balance. The success of the Indian Grey Hornbill reintroduction project not only serves as a beacon of hope for conservationists but also underscores the importance of collaborative efforts between government bodies, scientists, and local communities in achieving conservation goals.
As the Indian Grey Hornbill continues to thrive in the Gir forests, it raises awareness about the need for ongoing conservation efforts and the protection of critical habitats. The story of the Chilotro's return is a testament to the resilience of nature and the positive impact of targeted conservation strategies. It serves as an inspiration for similar projects aimed at restoring other species to their natural habitats, fostering a deeper connection between humans and wildlife in the process.
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