The lush green forests of the Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary on the outskirts of Siliguri are a habitat of varieties of the hornbill, a rare bird species.

The presence of this flamboyant-looking bird here is a major draw of birdwatchers, including former Team India cricketer Anil Kumble, who visited the region last year.

The enthusiasm of birdwatchers for the hornbill has prompted representatives of organisations working on the conservation of flora and fauna to approach the state forest department to conduct a survey on this colourful bird.

These organisations want the state forest department to prepare a comprehensive report on hornbills and promote not only the sanctuary but north Bengal as a whole as a destination for birdwatchers.

“Hundreds of birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts visit the sanctuary to catch a glimpse of hornbills. We work for the protection of birds and conduct guided tours for birdwatchers. The sanctuary has drawn the attention of birdwatchers like Anil Kumble and we want the forest department to take the initiative to protect the species and promote tourism,” said Sanjok Tamang, the secretary of the Mahananda Eco Tourism and Conservation Society.

During Kumble’s trip, Tamang had guided him in watching the bird species.

The sanctuary, which stretches from Sukna, around 10km from Siliguri, stretches to the hills, up to an elevation of 3,500 feet from sea level.

Usually, four types of hornbills — Great Indian Hornbill, the Oriental Pied Hornbill, the Grey Hornbill, and the Rufous-necked Hornbill — can be sighted at the sanctuary.