A wildlife volunteer in Cagayan raised alarm after finding only the beak and feet of a Northern Rufous Hornbill, or kalaw, in a forest area in Lasam, evidence of an illegal hunting incident involving one of the country’s endangered bird species.

“So kung makikita natin itong helmet na parang tuka niya ay tinatawag na casque… so napaka-laki. So endangered species po ito,” the wildlife volunteer said in a video while examining the remains.

According to a report from a Kaakibat Biodiversity Watch (KBW) volunteer, the hornbill was shot using an airgun by a resident in a forested part of Barangay Sicalao. The man allegedly slaughtered the bird near a stream and cooked it for food.

Bantay-Gubat volunteer Ali Cabison said he had warned locals repeatedly not to hunt the species.

“Sinabi ko sa kanila na huwag silang manguhuhuli ng mga ganiyan (kalaw). Dahil paubos na ‘yan,” she said.

The Northern Rufous Hornbill is listed as “Endangered” by the Biodiversity Management Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. The bird is known for its large red beak and casque. Volunteers noted that while adult kalaw have a bright red bill, younger ones have darker-colored beaks.

Hunting, killing, or selling an endangered species is prohibited under the Wildlife Conservation Act, or Republic Act 9147.

Authorities and wildlife advocates are reminding the public to report incidents of wildlife hunting to help protect the remaining population of the kalaw in Northern Luzon’s forests.