Helmeted hornbill skull, source of hornbill ivory. The helmeted hornbill (Rhinoplax vigil) is found on the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra and Borneo. It has
Helmeted hornbill skull, source of hornbill ivory. The helmeted hornbill (Rhinoplax vigil) is found on the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra and Borneo. It has a long curved bill and a large helmet-like structure on its head called a casque. The external (top) and internal (bottom) structure of this specimen's skull and bill show that the casque has a solid portion at the front, with bracing bone struts behind it. The eye sockets are also visible. The solid portion of the casque consists of hornbill ivory ('golden jade', actually keratin), a material historically used for carving, particularly in China. An illegal trade in this material threatens the long-term survival of this hornbill.
Size: 5650px × 3250px
Photo credit: © NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM, LONDON/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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