The existence of hornbills in the nature is closely related to the forest conservation. Cruising almost 100 kilometer squares, hornbills are effective seed dispersers in the forest.
PROFAUNA Indonesia's latest survey in the southern Malang area in December 2018 shows a decline in hornbill encounters by 60%. This is due to deforestation and forest degradation in the area.
Sempu Island, located off the shore of South Malang, East Java, was established as a Nature Reserve in 1928 through Governor's Decree no.46 Stbl.1928 No. 69 of 1928