KUCHING: Efforts to conserve Sarawak’s forests must continue to ensure the survival of hornbills, a key symbol of the state’s identity, said Deputy Minister for Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment, Datuk Len Talif Salleh.
He said sightings of hornbills are still being recorded in areas such as Santubong, indicating that conservation measures are showing positive signs.
“We do not want to see hornbills only as sculptures or symbols, but as living species in our forests,” he said when met by reporters at his open house.
Len Talif noted that Malaysia is home to eight species of hornbills, which are primarily found in tropical regions across South and Southeast Asia.
He said some species are becoming increasingly rare, possibly due to environmental changes and shifting habitats.
He added that hornbills are highly mobile and may migrate to areas with better forest conditions and food sources.
Len Talif stressed that forest conservation remains critical, not only for wildlife protection but also for broader environmental functions such as carbon absorption, erosion control and ecosystem balance.
“Forests play an important role in absorbing carbon dioxide, reducing erosion and supporting biodiversity, including wildlife such as hornbills,” he said.
He said ongoing conservation efforts, including the gazettement of Totally Protected Areas (TPAs), are part of the state’s long-term strategy to safeguard its natural heritage.
