31 Jul (Sat): Talk on "Hornbill Nesting - The 'Intelligent' Nest"

What happens during the mysterious ‘confinement’ of the female Oriental Pied Hornbill during breeding? The breeding female is sealed up in a tree cavity to lay and raise her young, and stays sealed inside the nest 24/7 for up to 3 months!
Many observations over the last five years has revealed more about what goes on in the dark nest!

In 2008, the Intelligent Nest was build to create an artificial nest that is not only safe and suitable for the Oriental Pied Hornbills to nest in, but equipped with the technology to study them closely during this exceptional period of the year – Side view of the cameras close up reveals the exact laying of eggs, allowing more accurate data collection.

Mr. Marc Cremades, Consultant Researcher Singapore Avian Conservation Project gives this talk. Come for the talk to gain more insights to what else the Intelligent Nest can offer.

About the Project: Initiated in 2004 by Marc Cremades and avid naturalist Prof Ng Soon Chye, the Singapore Hornbill Project studies the nesting ecology of the Oriental Pied Hornbill, such as the growth progression of nestlings, food requirements, and sensitivity to external disturbances. This is the first project in the world to document the breeding ecology of wild hornbills within the nest. The key objective is to enhance the population and distribution of this locally endangered bird in Singapore.

All are welcome.

Light refreshments will be provided.

The talk is free but pre-registration is require. Please RSVP by Friday 30 July 5pm to lim_wei_ling@nparks.gov.sg

Time: 10am-noon
Venue: Function Hall, Botany Centre, Singapore Botanic Gardens
Website and contact: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/