Nikhil Borode and Gajanan Wagh

The study was conducted regarding nest tree preference from March 2020 to July 2023 in Pench Tiger Reserve M.P. During the study in PTR, For MPH total 13 nest were recorded belongs to 5 plants species Madhuca indica, Sterculia urens, Terminalia arjuna, Terminalia tomentosa and Adina Cardifolia while in case of IGH 102 nest were recorded belongs to 16 plants species. Among the 16 plant species Madhuca indica was followed by Terminalia arjuna, Terminalia tomentosa, Bombax ceiba, Bridelia retusa, Sterculia urens, Hymenodyctyon orixense, Anogeissus latifolia, Syzygium cumini, Grewia tiliaefolia Vahl, Ficus religiosa, Tectona grandis, Lagerstroemia parviflora,. Lannea coromandelica, Senegalia catechu and Millettia pinnata. Among the 13 nest of MPH 9 recorded in protected area while 2 nests recorded in buffer area. Out of 102 IGH nest, 68 comes under the protected area while 34 comes under the buffer area. The mean height of the nest trees was 36±6 m, girth at breast height 3±1 m and nest height 17±6 m. Study reveals that the Madhuca indica followed Sterculia urens and Terminalia arjuna was mostly used for nesting by Malabar Pied Hornbill. In case of Indian Grey hornbill Madhuca indica followed by Terminalia arjuna, and Terminalia tomentosa was mostly preferred, because of longevity with maximum height, more resistance to climatic condition, natural cavity formation and better population in study area. These four plant species supports the successful nesting and significant population of Malabar Pied Hornbill and Indian Grey Hornbill in Pench Tiger Reserve.

DOI: 10.22271/23940522.2024.v11.i5a.1041

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