The southern ground hornbill (Bucorvus leadbeateri) is one of two species of ground hornbill, both of which are found solely within Africa, and is the largest species in the hornbill order worldwide. It can be found in the southern regions of Africa, ranging from Kenya to South Africa. Within these regions, they inhabit both woodlands and savannas. The other species of the genus Bucorvus is the Abyssinian ground hornbill, B. abyssinicus.
Southern ground hornbills are carnivorous and hunt mostly on the ground. Their food ranges from insects to small vertebrates. These birds are a long-lived species, having lifespans in the range of 50–60 years, and up to 70 in captivity. Their sex can be identified by the colour of their throats: the male's is pure red and the female's is a deep violet-blue. However, their numbers have been declining, due in part to persecution, habitat destruction, cultural beliefs, and other factors. They are listed globally as 'Vulnerable' by the IUCN as of 2018, and as 'Endangered' in South Africa, Lesotho, Namibia and Eswatini.
Description
left|thumb|Close-Up of Southern Ground Hornbill
This is a large bird, at long. Females weigh , while the larger males weigh . The average weight of eight females was whilst that of eight males was ; thus they average around 35% percent heavier than any Asian hornbill species. Wingspan is from . The wing chord is , the tail from , the tarsus from and the culmen from . Stevenson and Fanshawe report that the Abyssinian ground hornbill is the larger species on average, at , than the southern species, at , but published maximum weights and standard measurements indicate the southern species is slightly larger. Average weights are not known for the Abyssinian species.
thumb|263x263px|A adult female Southern Ground Hornbill attempting to eat a petrified frog in [[Kruger National Park. ]]
The southern ground hornbill is a vulnerable species, mainly confined to national reserves and national parks. They live in groups of 5 to 10 individuals including adults and juveniles. Often, neighbouring groups engage in aerial pursuits. These birds are apex predator and thus ecologically important. They forage on the ground, where they feed on reptiles, frogs, snails, insects and mammals up to the size of hares. Southern ground hornbills rarely drink. Their range is limited at its western end by the lack of trees in which to build nests.
Southern ground hornbill groups are very vocal: contact is made by calls in chorus which can usually be heard at distances of up to . The calls allow each group to maintain its territory, which must be as large as even in the best habitat. have found that birds without six years experience as helpers at the nest are unable to breed successfully if they do become breeders. This suggests that unaided pairs cannot rear young and that the skill gained in helping as a juvenile is essential for rearing young as an adult.
In captivity, a maximum lifespan of 70 years is recorded, and it is generally believed that the life expectancy of a bird that survives long enough to fledge is as high as thirty years or more, which is comparable to that of more famously long-lived birds like the wandering albatross.
Ground hornbills are believed to reach maturity at six to seven years, but very few breed at this age.
Conservation
thumb|left|Southern Ground Hornbill perched on a tree
The southern ground hornbill is classed as vulnerable to extinction globally; however, in South Africa, where most studies on the species have been carried out, it is listed as endangered. They have also been classified as endangered in Lesotho, Namibia and Swaziland. Southern ground hornbills in these countries, along with Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique, require conservation interventions to help increase their numbers.
Persecution and hunting of the southern ground hornbill by human populations have continued to be complex issues. Recent studies have found the species has been hunted more than previously believed, including in protected areas. The majority of this hunting has likely been opportunistic. Overall, hunting is likely not a key driver for their lowering numbers. Due to the encroachment of human populations, it is not unheard of to see a group's territory encompass a variety of areas, from pristine habitats to commercial agricultural lands. Rehabilitation projects, such the Mabula Ground Hornbill Project, have been hand-rearing these extra chicks with the goal of reintroducing them to the wild,
thumb|Southern ground hornbill in a [[Tokyo zoo, 2009]]
In culture
The southern ground hornbill's loud voice and large size have made it a focal point in many traditional African cultures. They have inspired a variety of cultural beliefs throughout many peoples that are within its broad historical range. However, the extent of these beliefs and whether they will persist into the future are uncertain, especially due to the modernization of Africa. Others in Zimbabwe believe it can bring misfortune and should not be approached. This has led to a range of reactions to the southern ground hornbill, from avoidance to killing.
For example, the Taveta people have a cultural belief that killing a southern ground will bring a fatal illness upon anyone who does so.
Associations with weather
The southern ground hornbill is well known for its associations with rain, drought, lightning and general weather forecasts. These beliefs generally do not carry harmful consequences for southern ground hornbills, but killing, displacing, or otherwise using them to end or start rainy seasons has been reported.