Development of Artificial Hornbill Nests from Used Wine Barrels

Due to forest degradation and human encroachment, hornbills face severe habitat loss. The rapid decline of mature forests has led to a critical shortage of large trees with natural hollows essential for breeding, putting hornbills at risk of extinction. Beyond their beauty, hornbills are vital bioindicators of forest health. Known as highly efficient “The Forester,” they feed on over 100 plant species and disperse seeds across vast canopy areas through their flight, regenerating degraded forests into thriving ecosystems.

In 2018, Siam Winery Group partnered with the Hornbill Research Foundation (Mahidol University), led by Prof. Dr. Pilai Poonswad, and Assoc. Prof. Chachorn Phasavan (Faculty of Decorative Arts, Silpakorn University) to pioneer the research and development of artificial nesting cavities made from repurposed oak wine barrels. These upcycled nests were installed across key conservation sites, including the areas surrounding Monsoon Valley Vineyard (Hua Hin), Kui Buri National Park (Prachuap Khiri Khan), and Kaeng Krachan National Park (Phetchaburi), followed by ongoing research to monitor their usage. Recognized as a world-first conservation innovation, this project creatively transforms industrial wine production waste into life-saving habitats, contributing to a steady increase in the local hornbill population.