Save the Rare Helmeted Hornbill Bird from Poaching and Extinction

Please sign and share this petition worldwide on all media sites possible as we target China, Malaysia and Indonesia to implement strict laws against poaching a rare bird known as the helmeted hornbill and selling their hornbill products in various countries for profits. It is a well-known fact that rhinos and elephants are poached for their horns and ivory, with no one realizing how valued the helmeted hornbill has become on that list, even excelling their statistics. These rare birds are dwindling in numbers due to the demand for their bills and the casques at the top of their beaks.

A recent undercover investigation by the Environment Investigation Agency (EIA) revealed that poachers are increasingly targeting a rare bird known as the helmeted hornbill. Such countries as China, Malaysia and Indonesia are in high demand for the beaks of these birds for carving to create jewelry and other little trinkets. What is surprising is that the beaks of these birds has a five times higher value than elephant ivory.

The EIA reported that the quantity of helmeted hornbill products noted for sale “far exceeds published sightings of live helmeted hornbills in the wild." One of the spokesman for TRAFFIC, the wildlife trade monitoring network, states that “The ‘horn’ on the bill is solid, not hollow as in all other species. The bill of this species has, for centuries, been carved, as an avian equivalent of ivory.”

In addition to the value of its beak, the helmeted hornbill also has a large protrusion called a casque on the top of their beaks. These casques are valued decorations and ornaments in areas throughout Asia and is often referred to as the "hornbill ivory" or "golden jade" even though it is made up of keratin, similar a human's nails or the rhino's horns. The sale of carved casques and whole hornbill heads were noted by the EIA on various social networks.

The cost of helmeted hornbill products is on the high end even though the purchasers have no idea as to where the products derive and the danger it causes to the existence of this rare bird. We are urging you for your help in stop the poaching and sale of the helmeted hornbill and their products by signing and sharing this petition on all your media sites around the world.