# Knobbed hornbill

> The knobbed hornbill (Rhyticeros cassidix) is a large fig-eating hornbill endemic to Sulawesi, with a red casque, and South Sulawesi's identity animal.

Source: https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/knobbed-hornbill/ · Updated 1 October 2026 · English · Bahasa Indonesia: https://panduanhewan.org/id/spesies/julang-sulawesi/
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**Review status:** Compiled and checked against the listed sources; not yet reviewed by a specialist.

## Quick answer

The knobbed hornbill (*Rhyticeros cassidix*) is a bird in the family Bucerotidae. Range in Indonesia: Sulawesi and the islands of Lembeh, Togian, Muna and Buton. It is endemic to Indonesia, living naturally only in Sulawesi and the islands of Lembeh, Togian, Muna and Buton. Diet: mainly figs (Ficus) and other fleshy forest fruit; a herbivore. IUCN Red List status: Vulnerable. It is a legally protected species in Indonesia (Regulation P.106/2018).

| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | *Rhyticeros cassidix* |
| Indonesian name | Julang sulawesi |
| Group | Birds |
| Family | Bucerotidae |
| Range in Indonesia | Sulawesi and the islands of Lembeh, Togian, Muna and Buton |
| Linked habitats | [Tropical Rainforests](https://panduanhewan.org/en/habitats/tropical-rainforest/) |
| Diet | Mainly figs (Ficus) and other fleshy forest fruit |
| Range in Indonesia | Endemic to Sulawesi and a few nearby islands |
| Key feature | Wrinkled red casque in males, white tail, blue throat |
| Provincial identity animal | South Sulawesi province |
| Other names | Julang sulawesi, rangkong sulawesi; red-knobbed hornbill; Aceros cassidix |
| IUCN status | Vulnerable · [IUCN Red List (via GBIF)](https://www.gbif.org/species/8290357) · checked 1 October 2026 |
| Legal protection in Indonesia | Protected · [Regulation P.106/2018](https://jdih.kehutanan.go.id/new2/uploads/files/P_106_2018_JENIS_TSL_menlhk_07252019152513.pdf) · annex no. 249 |
| Diet type | Herbivore (plant-eater) — mainly fruit (frugivore), especially figs; animal food is only about 1% of its diet · [IUCN SSC Hornbill Specialist Group](https://iucnhornbills.org/knobbed-hornbill/) |
| Reproduction | Laying eggs (oviparous) · [Internet Archive (archived source)](https://web.archive.org/web/20260611035420/https://bbksdasulsel.ksdae.kehutanan.go.id/rangkong-sulawesi-penjaga-hutan-dan-simbol-kesetiaan-dari-langit-sulawesi) |
| Active | Diurnal (active by day) · [Oiseaux.net (AVONET/Birds of the World traits)](https://www.oiseaux.net/birds/knobbed.hornbill.html) |
| Endemic to Indonesia | Yes — Sulawesi and the islands of Lembeh, Togian, Muna and Buton · [BirdLife DataZone](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/knobbed-hornbill-rhyticeros-cassidix) |

## What is the knobbed hornbill?

The knobbed hornbill (Rhyticeros cassidix) is a large hornbill endemic to Sulawesi, with a white tail and a wrinkled red casque on its yellow bill. BirdLife International gives its length as 70–80 cm. Males have a rufous to creamy head and neck, while females are smaller, with a black head and a yellow casque. Both have blue throat skin.

It was formerly placed in the genus Aceros. The Bugis and Makassar people call it alo, according to the South Sulawesi conservation agency (BBKSDA). The knobbed hornbill is the identity animal of South Sulawesi province, as recorded by Indonesia.go.id, the government information portal. BirdLife assesses it as Vulnerable.

Evidence: [BirdLife DataZone — Knobbed Hornbill Rhyticeros cassidix species factsheet](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/knobbed-hornbill-rhyticeros-cassidix) · [Balai Besar KSDA Sulawesi Selatan (2025) — Rangkong Sulawesi: Penjaga Hutan dan Simbol Kesetiaan dari Langit Sulawesi (Wayback Machine copy)](https://web.archive.org/web/20260611035420/https://bbksdasulsel.ksdae.kehutanan.go.id/rangkong-sulawesi-penjaga-hutan-dan-simbol-kesetiaan-dari-langit-sulawesi) · [Indonesia.go.id — Sekelumit Cerita Upaya Penyelamatan Burung Besar (Wayback Machine copy)](https://web.archive.org/web/20220813205636/https://www.indonesia.go.id/ragam/keanekaragaman-hayati/sosial/sekelumit-cerita-upaya-penyelamatan-burung-besar)

## Where does the knobbed hornbill live?

The knobbed hornbill lives only on Sulawesi and the islands of Lembeh, Togian, Muna and Buton. According to BirdLife International, it lives in evergreen forest up to 1,800 m, but mainly in lowland forest below 1,100 m.

Outside the breeding season it moves around locally, sometimes entering secondary forest, woodland and plantations. Flocks can reach 50 birds and range over 30–50 km². It is still common in some places, especially where fig trees are dense, but its distribution is becoming patchy. BirdLife records it as common in Dumoga-Bone and Lore Lindu national parks.

Evidence: [BirdLife DataZone — Knobbed Hornbill Rhyticeros cassidix species factsheet](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/knobbed-hornbill-rhyticeros-cassidix)

## What does the knobbed hornbill eat?

The knobbed hornbill feeds mainly on figs (Ficus spp.). According to BirdLife International, figs make up most of its diet, and the birds gather in larger numbers and feed for longer in forest stands with many food trees.

This makes old forest with plenty of fig trees vital for the species. The South Sulawesi conservation agency describes it as a major fruit eater that flies long distances and swallows fleshy fruit. Seeds passed in its droppings grow in new places, so the knobbed hornbill acts as a seed disperser and helps Sulawesi's tropical forests regenerate.

Evidence: [BirdLife DataZone — Knobbed Hornbill Rhyticeros cassidix species factsheet](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/knobbed-hornbill-rhyticeros-cassidix) · [Balai Besar KSDA Sulawesi Selatan (2025) — Rangkong Sulawesi: Penjaga Hutan dan Simbol Kesetiaan dari Langit Sulawesi (Wayback Machine copy)](https://web.archive.org/web/20260611035420/https://bbksdasulsel.ksdae.kehutanan.go.id/rangkong-sulawesi-penjaga-hutan-dan-simbol-kesetiaan-dari-langit-sulawesi)

## How does the knobbed hornbill nest?

The knobbed hornbill nests in natural holes in large, tall trees, and the female seals herself inside. According to the South Sulawesi conservation agency, the female closes the entrance with a mix of soil, droppings and food remains, leaving only a narrow slit.

While the female incubates and raises the young, the male feeds her and the chicks through that slit. BirdLife International notes that the species is highly faithful to its nest sites and prefers tall trees with large trunks, especially emergent trees that rise above the canopy. Felling large trees and forest fires therefore hit its breeding hard.

Evidence: [Balai Besar KSDA Sulawesi Selatan (2025) — Rangkong Sulawesi: Penjaga Hutan dan Simbol Kesetiaan dari Langit Sulawesi (Wayback Machine copy)](https://web.archive.org/web/20260611035420/https://bbksdasulsel.ksdae.kehutanan.go.id/rangkong-sulawesi-penjaga-hutan-dan-simbol-kesetiaan-dari-langit-sulawesi) · [BirdLife DataZone — Knobbed Hornbill Rhyticeros cassidix species factsheet](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/knobbed-hornbill-rhyticeros-cassidix)

## Why is the knobbed hornbill threatened?

The knobbed hornbill is threatened mainly by the loss of Sulawesi's lowland forest to farming, logging, gold mining and fire. BirdLife International cites an estimate that 89% of the region's lowland forest was lost between 1985 and 1997, and forest loss is expected to stay high.

The bird is also hunted for meat and for illegal trade. Its specialised needs add to the risk: it depends on fig trees and on large nest trees. When forest burns, females sealed inside their nests can die. BirdLife therefore assesses it as Vulnerable, and the species is listed in CITES Appendix II.

Evidence: [BirdLife DataZone — Knobbed Hornbill Rhyticeros cassidix species factsheet](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/knobbed-hornbill-rhyticeros-cassidix) · [Balai Besar KSDA Sulawesi Selatan (2025) — Rangkong Sulawesi: Penjaga Hutan dan Simbol Kesetiaan dari Langit Sulawesi (Wayback Machine copy)](https://web.archive.org/web/20260611035420/https://bbksdasulsel.ksdae.kehutanan.go.id/rangkong-sulawesi-penjaga-hutan-dan-simbol-kesetiaan-dari-langit-sulawesi)

## How can the knobbed hornbill be protected?

The knobbed hornbill is protected by keeping forests, fig trees and large nest trees standing, and by never hunting or buying the birds. Rhyticeros cassidix is listed as a protected species in the annex to regulation P.106/2018 (entry 249, julang sulawesi).

The South Sulawesi conservation agency protects its habitat in conservation areas such as Gandang Dewata National Park and Faruhumpenai Nature Reserve, monitors nests and runs public education. It asks people not to buy or keep wild animals and to report hunting or trade to the authorities. As South Sulawesi's identity animal, the hornbill gives residents a reason to look after their forests.

Evidence: [Kementerian Lingkungan Hidup dan Kehutanan — Permen LHK P.106/MENLHK/SETJEN/KUM.1/12/2018 tentang Jenis Tumbuhan dan Satwa yang Dilindungi (lampiran)](https://jdih.kehutanan.go.id/new2/uploads/files/P_106_2018_JENIS_TSL_menlhk_07252019152513.pdf) · [Balai Besar KSDA Sulawesi Selatan (2025) — Rangkong Sulawesi: Penjaga Hutan dan Simbol Kesetiaan dari Langit Sulawesi (Wayback Machine copy)](https://web.archive.org/web/20260611035420/https://bbksdasulsel.ksdae.kehutanan.go.id/rangkong-sulawesi-penjaga-hutan-dan-simbol-kesetiaan-dari-langit-sulawesi) · [Kompas.com (2023) — Flora dan Fauna Identitas Sulawesi Selatan (Wayback Machine copy)](https://web.archive.org/web/20240420215951/https://makassar.kompas.com/read/2023/08/06/173056778/flora-dan-fauna-identitas-sulawesi-selatan)

## Scientific classification of the Knobbed hornbill

| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Bucerotiformes |
| Family | Bucerotidae |
| Genus | *Rhyticeros* |
| Species | *Rhyticeros cassidix* |

Source: [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy](https://www.gbif.org/dataset/d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c)

## Common questions about the knobbed hornbill

### What is the scientific name of the knobbed hornbill?

The scientific name of the knobbed hornbill is *Rhyticeros cassidix*, in the family Bucerotidae. In Indonesian it is called Julang sulawesi.

### What kind of animal is the knobbed hornbill?

The knobbed hornbill is a bird in the family Bucerotidae. By diet it is a herbivore (plant-eater): a mainly fruit (frugivore), especially figs; animal food is only about 1% of its diet. It is also endemic to Indonesia.

### Where does the knobbed hornbill live in Indonesia?

In Indonesia, this guide records the knobbed hornbill in: Sulawesi and the islands of Lembeh, Togian, Muna and Buton.

The knobbed hornbill is endemic to Indonesia and lives naturally only in Sulawesi and the islands of Lembeh, Togian, Muna and Buton. Source: [BirdLife DataZone](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/knobbed-hornbill-rhyticeros-cassidix).

Source-supported habitats: [Tropical Rainforests](https://panduanhewan.org/en/habitats/tropical-rainforest/).

### What does the knobbed hornbill eat?

Diet of the knobbed hornbill: mainly figs (Ficus) and other fleshy forest fruit. That makes it a herbivore (plant-eater). Source: [IUCN SSC Hornbill Specialist Group](https://iucnhornbills.org/knobbed-hornbill/).

### How does the knobbed hornbill reproduce?

The knobbed hornbill reproduces by laying eggs (oviparous). The female seals herself inside a tree hole, closing the entrance with a mix of soil, droppings and dried food until only a narrow slit is left; while she incubates and raises the young, the male feeds her and the chicks through the slit. Source: [Internet Archive (archived source)](https://web.archive.org/web/20260611035420/https://bbksdasulsel.ksdae.kehutanan.go.id/rangkong-sulawesi-penjaga-hutan-dan-simbol-kesetiaan-dari-langit-sulawesi).

### Is the knobbed hornbill nocturnal?

No. The knobbed hornbill is diurnal (active by day). Source: [Oiseaux.net (AVONET/Birds of the World traits)](https://www.oiseaux.net/birds/knobbed.hornbill.html).

See also [the list of nocturnal and diurnal animals in Indonesia](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/nocturnal-and-diurnal-animals/).

### What are the main features of the knobbed hornbill?

Key features of the knobbed hornbill, from this guide’s sources: Key feature: wrinkled red casque in males, white tail, blue throat.

### What is the scientific classification of the knobbed hornbill?

Scientific classification of the knobbed hornbill: kingdom Animalia, phylum Chordata, class Aves, order Bucerotiformes, family Bucerotidae, genus *Rhyticeros*, species *Rhyticeros cassidix*.

Source: [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy](https://www.gbif.org/dataset/d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c), adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology.

### Is the knobbed hornbill endangered?

Yes. On the IUCN Red List, the knobbed hornbill is listed as Vulnerable: it is considered to face a high risk of extinction in the wild. Source: [IUCN Red List (via GBIF)](https://www.gbif.org/species/8290357), checked 1 October 2026.

This global category is separate from national legal protection. [Is the knobbed hornbill protected in Indonesia?](#protected)

### Is the knobbed hornbill protected in Indonesia?

Yes. The knobbed hornbill (*Rhyticeros cassidix*) is a protected species in Indonesia under [Environment and Forestry Ministerial Regulation No. P.106/MENLHK/SETJEN/KUM.1/12/2018 on protected plant and animal species](https://jdih.kehutanan.go.id/new2/uploads/files/P_106_2018_JENIS_TSL_menlhk_07252019152513.pdf) (annex, entry 249).

Article 21(2) of Law No. 5 of 1990, as amended by Law No. 32 of 2024, prohibits anyone from hunting, catching, injuring, killing, storing, owning, keeping, transporting or trading a protected animal, alive or dead, including its body parts, eggs and nests.

If you see this animal being traded, kept or injured, contact the [local BKSDA office](https://panduanhewan.org/en/bksda-offices/).

### Can the knobbed hornbill be kept as a pet?

No. Because the knobbed hornbill is a protected species, catching, owning, keeping, transporting or trading it without a permit is prohibited by law. Trading without a permit through electronic media is also prohibited.

If you see this animal for sale or being kept, report it to the [local BKSDA office](https://panduanhewan.org/en/bksda-offices/).

## Sources & references

1. [BirdLife DataZone — Knobbed Hornbill Rhyticeros cassidix species factsheet](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/knobbed-hornbill-rhyticeros-cassidix)
2. [Balai Besar KSDA Sulawesi Selatan (2025) — Rangkong Sulawesi: Penjaga Hutan dan Simbol Kesetiaan dari Langit Sulawesi (Wayback Machine copy)](https://web.archive.org/web/20260611035420/https://bbksdasulsel.ksdae.kehutanan.go.id/rangkong-sulawesi-penjaga-hutan-dan-simbol-kesetiaan-dari-langit-sulawesi)
3. [Indonesia.go.id — Sekelumit Cerita Upaya Penyelamatan Burung Besar (Wayback Machine copy)](https://web.archive.org/web/20220813205636/https://www.indonesia.go.id/ragam/keanekaragaman-hayati/sosial/sekelumit-cerita-upaya-penyelamatan-burung-besar)
4. [Kompas.com (2023) — Flora dan Fauna Identitas Sulawesi Selatan (Wayback Machine copy)](https://web.archive.org/web/20240420215951/https://makassar.kompas.com/read/2023/08/06/173056778/flora-dan-fauna-identitas-sulawesi-selatan)
5. [Kementerian Lingkungan Hidup dan Kehutanan — Permen LHK P.106/MENLHK/SETJEN/KUM.1/12/2018 tentang Jenis Tumbuhan dan Satwa yang Dilindungi (lampiran)](https://jdih.kehutanan.go.id/new2/uploads/files/P_106_2018_JENIS_TSL_menlhk_07252019152513.pdf)
6. [IUCN SSC Hornbill Specialist Group](https://iucnhornbills.org/knobbed-hornbill/)
7. [Oiseaux.net (AVONET/Birds of the World traits)](https://www.oiseaux.net/birds/knobbed.hornbill.html)
8. [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy (GBIF)](https://www.gbif.org/dataset/d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c)

## Keep exploring

- [Blyth's Hornbill](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/rhyticeros-plicatus/)
- [Black-capped lory](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/black-capped-lory/)
- [Blue-crowned hanging parrot](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/blue-crowned-hanging-parrot/)
- [Common hill myna](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/common-hill-myna/)
- [Tropical Rainforests](https://panduanhewan.org/en/habitats/tropical-rainforest/)

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Cite: PanduanHewan. (2026). Knobbed hornbill. PanduanHewan.org. https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/knobbed-hornbill/