This species occurs largely in primary evergreen dipterocarp forests up to 400 m, but also uses secondary forest and has been recorded at 760 m on Mt. Isarog on Luzon (Kemp 1995). Feeds on fruits, seeds, insects and centipedes. Habitat destruction has greatly reduced the extent of suitable habitat within the species' range, for example a loss of over 70% of forest cover on Luzon (del Hoyo et al. 2001). The species breeds cooperatively, and the helpers assist with both nest preparation and feeding. The breeding group is made up of 2-7 individuals consisting of both adults and immature birds (Witmer 1993). 

Buceros hydrocorax is endemic to the Philippines where it occurs on Luzon and Marinduque (Collar et al. 1999). It is still patchily common, notably in the Sierra Madre mountains, though it has been reported to have declined drastically (del Hoyo et al. 2001). It may now barely persist on Marinduque (J-C. Gonzalez in litt. 2013). Remaining strongholds are the Sierra Madre and the Cordillera (J-C. Gonzalez in litt. 2013, J. Ibanez in litt. 2014).

Conservation and Research Actions Underway
CITES Appendix II. There are 18 individuals present across 9 zoos in Europe (data from EAZA). Of these 18 individuals, 7 are male and 11 are female (K. Brouwer in litt. 2020). 

Conservation and Research Actions Proposed
Monitor populations across the range to determine the magnitude of declines and rates of range contraction. Campaign for the protection of remaining tracts of lowland forest throughout the range. Ensure any conservation strategies address lack of suitable nesting sites. Build on local ecological knowledge to enhance local engagement to hornbill conservation (J. Ibanez in litt. 2014).