Thursday 19 May 2022 05:13 AM Yellow-billed hornbill that shot to fame in The Lion King is being wiped out by ... trends now
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With its long yellow and down-curved beak, most Disney fans will instantly recognise the southern yellow-billed hornbill as Zazu from The Lion King.
But the stunning bird is at risk of being wiped out by climate change, according to a new study.
Researchers from the University of Cape Town studied the effects of high air temperate and drought on the breeding success of the birds in the Kalahari Desert from 2008-2019.
Their findings reveal that breeding output 'collapsed' during this time - with an increase in temperature to blame.
Researchers from the University of Cape Town studied the effects of high air temperate and drought on the breeding success of the birds in the Kalahari Desert from 2008-2019. Their findings reveal that breeding output 'collapsed' during this time - with an increase in temperature to blame
With its long yellow and down-curved beak, most Disney fans will instantly recognise the southern yellow-billed hornbill as Zazu from The Lion King
Previous studies have shown how animals living in the Kalahari Desert are suffering the consequences of global warming.
For example, a previous study revealed how multiple bird species are now breeding earlier and for a shorter time.
In the new study, the team set out to investigate the impact of climate change on yellow-billed hornbills over a 10 year period.
'There is rapidly growing evidence for the negative effects of high temperatures on the behaviour,
