CR

Anthracoceros montani

Declining

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

The Sulu Hornbill faces imminent extinction due to catastrophic deforestation across its restricted range in the Sulu Archipelago, Philippines. Illegal logging and agricultural conversion have eliminated over 95% of primary forest habitat, while hunting pressure for food and the pet trade has decimated the remaining population. With fewer than 800 individuals estimated to survive across just a few islands, the species lacks sufficient habitat connectivity for long-term viability.

Threat summary

Habitat

The Sulu Hornbill inhabits primary and secondary lowland tropical rainforests in the Sulu Archipelago, particularly favoring tall dipterocarp forests with large fruiting trees. It requires mature forest canopy for nesting in natural tree cavities and depends on diverse fruit resources found in intact forest ecosystems.

Forest· major

Conservation measures underway

Habitat & natural process restorationSpecies managementSpecies recoverySpecies reintroductionEx-situ conservationAwareness & communicationsLegislation

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Anthracoceros montani classified as Critically Endangered?
Anthracoceros montani is classified as Critically Endangered — facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild — because population sizes are very small, declining sharply, or restricted to a tiny range. The Sulu Hornbill faces imminent extinction due to catastrophic deforestation across its restricted range in the Sulu Archipelago, Philippines. Illegal logging and agricultural conversion have eliminated over 95% of primary forest habitat, while hunting pressure for food and the pet trade has decimated the remaining population. With fewer than 800 individuals estimated to survive across just a few islands, the species lacks sufficient habitat connectivity for long-term viability.
Where does Anthracoceros montani live?
Anthracoceros montani occurs in Philippines. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Anthracoceros montani?
The main threats to Anthracoceros montani are 2.1, 3.2, 5.1, and 5.3. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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