In December 2025, an important decision was taken at the international level to strengthen the protection of African forest hornbills. Two groups of African hornbills—large, forest-dwelling species long affected by habitat loss and trade—were added to Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
This decision marks a significant step in global efforts to ensure that international wildlife trade does not contribute to population decline or extinction.
Why African hornbills were listed
African hornbills play a crucial ecological role as seed dispersers in tropical forests. By spreading the seeds of many tree species over large distances, they help maintain forest structure, regeneration, and biodiversity.
However, recent research and enforcement data revealed growing concern over unsustainable trade, particularly in hornbill skulls and heads sold as curios. Investigations documented increasing international demand, online sales across continents, and hunting pressure linked to this trade—often compounding existing threats such as deforestation and habitat fragmentation.
According to conservation organizations and scientific studies, these pressures were significant enough to justify international regulation. As reported by conservation news outlets and wildlife organizations, the Appendix II listing aims to bring transparency, traceability, and oversight to a trade that was previously largely unregulated at the international level.
Organizations such as BirdLife International described the decision as a turning point for African hornbill conservation, emphasizing that regulation is essential to prevent further population declines and local extinctions.
What does CITES Appendix II mean?
Being listed in CITES Appendix II does not mean that a species is banned from trade. Instead, it means that:
- International trade is regulated, not prohibited
- Export permits are required
- Authorities must confirm that trade is legal and not detrimental to wild populations
This framework is designed to ensure that any trade that does occur is sustainable, lawful, and traceable.
Our position as a webshop
We believe transparency is essential.
- All hornbill skull specimens that were historically offered in our webshop were acquired before the December 2025 CITES listing
- We do not source, purchase, or introduce any new hornbill specimens into our collection
- In line with the spirit and intent of the new regulations, we are phasing out the trade of hornbill skulls entirely
This decision reflects our support for international conservation efforts and our commitment to responsible natural history trade.
Even where trade may technically remain possible under specific regulatory conditions, we believe it is important to act conservatively and responsibly in response to evolving wildlife protection standards.
Supporting conservation through responsible choices
The addition of African forest hornbills to CITES Appendix II highlights a broader shift in how the global community approaches wildlife trade: from reactive enforcement to proactive prevention.
By choosing to step away from sourcing and selling new hornbill specimens, we aim to support this shift and contribute—however modestly—to the long-term protection of these remarkable birds and the ecosystems they help sustain.
We will continue to monitor regulatory developments closely and adapt our practices accordingly, always prioritizing legality, ethics, and conservation.
Further reading & sources
- Mongabay – African forest hornbills gain new protections from unsustainable trade (Dec 2025)
- The Wildlife Society – CITES votes to limit African hornbill trade
- BirdLife International – A turning point for Africa’s hornbills (Dec 3, 2025)
Legal & Regulatory Disclaimer
This article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Wildlife trade regulations, including those under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), may vary by jurisdiction and may change over time.
Availability of specimens does not guarantee that export, import, or commercial transfer will be permitted in all countries. Transactions remain subject to applicable national and international laws, permit requirements, and enforcement practices.
We apply a precautionary compliance approach and reserve the right to withdraw items, restrict sales, or cancel orders where regulatory or documentation requirements cannot be met.
