It lives in groups of 2-9 members, rarely 12, and is a co-operative breeder, with the dominant pair assisted by adult, mostly male, and immature helpers to defend a territory and provision a nest (L. Kemp in litt. 2016). The breeding pairs have previously been assumed to be monogamous, but molecular techniques have revealed that extra-pair copulations do occur (Theron et al. 2013). Groups occupy year-round home ranges of 50-100km², determined primarily by the availability of suitable nest sites and food availability during the dry season (Kemp 2005, Wilson and Hockey 2013). Laying occurs in large cavities in trees, cliffs or earth banks (L. Kemp in litt. 2016), mainly from September to December, with a clutch of 1-3 (usually 2) eggs, although only one survives to fledging (del Hoyo et al. 2001, Chiweshe, L. Kemp in litt. 2008). One study in South Africa showed that a family group produced on average only one fledgling every nine years, although birds in the Okavango Delta appear to breed more frequently (del Hoyo et al. 2001, S. Tyler in litt. 2010). Juvenile mortality is reported to be high in a large protected area, and this is likely to be even higher in unprotected areas where anthropogenic threats are present (Kemp 1990).

It inhabits woodland and savanna, also frequenting grassland adjoining patches of forest up to 3,000 m in parts of its range in eastern Africa (del Hoyo et al. 2001). In Zimbabwe, Southern Ground-hornbills are most frequently recorded in Mopane (Colophospermum mopane) woodland, which appears to be a key habitat for both foraging and breeding (Chiweshe 2007). They also utilise a range of other habitats, including Acacia savanna, grasslands, agricultural land, floodplains, riverine woodland, mixed savanna and miombo woodland. The species shows a strong association with Baobabs (Adansonia digitata) and other substantial riverine trees. Notably, Mopane woodland also supports the highest density of Baobabs in Zimbabwe, as the two species share similar climatic requirements. Habitat suitability is further influenced by rainfall and soil type, with the species occurring more frequently in drier Sweetveld areas than in Sourveld. However, suitability may also be reduced by anthropogenic pressures such as overgrazing and inappropriate fire regimes, which can degrade habitat quality and reduce prey availability even within otherwise preferred vegetation types (Chiweshe 2007). The species fares well in protected areas where human threats are excluded and rural areas where cattle assist in maintaining their preferred short grass habitat.

Its diet is mainly made up of arthropods, and, especially during the wet season, snails, frogs and toads, and sometimes larger prey such as snakes, lizards, rats, hares, squirrels or tortoises. It will on occasion feed on carrion, taking scraps and associated insects. Fruits and seeds are also recorded in its diet, although infrequently (del Hoyo et al. 2001).

This species is found from southern Kenya, Rwanda, and Burundi, through south-eastern Democratic Republic of Congo and Tanzania, Zambia, Mozambique and Zimbabwe; south-west to Angola and northern Namibia; and south through Botswana and eastern South Africa, including Eswatini and Lesotho (del Hoyo et al. 2001, Stevenson and Fanshaw 2002).

Conservation Actions Underway
It is still protected by tribal lore in many areas, and occurs in several reserves and at least seven national parks (del Hoyo et al. 2001). The Mabula Ground-Hornbill Project (MGHP) (2025) is dedicated to halting and ultimately reversing the decline of the Southern Ground-hornbill in southern Africa through a multifaceted conservation strategy. A key component of their work is long-term monitoring, conducted on a four-year cycle using a grid-based system to track population trends and inform conservation planning. The MGHP is actively restoring populations through innovative reintroduction methods, beginning with the hand-rearing of second-hatched chicks that would have otherwise perished, followed by structured releases into suitable habitats once they are fully fledged. The project also implements threat mitigation strategies, such as covering windows to prevent glass breakage and human-wildlife conflict, and developing deterrents to prevent birds from perching on transformers, thereby reducing the risk of electrocution. The MGHP is also addressing the critical shortage of natural nesting sites, primarily caused by the loss of large cavity-bearing trees such as Baobabs and Marulas, by designing and deploying artificial nests. These specially engineered nests replicate the structure of natural cavities and are made from durable, weather-resistant materials. Key design features include ventilation holes, drainage, reinforced perches, and water-resistant entryways, ensuring suitability and longevity. The artificial nests are installed within territories of wild groups that lack suitable nesting sites, thereby supporting breeding and improving group stability. Education is another cornerstone of their work, with outreach efforts targeting rural residents and school learners to raise awareness of the threats facing the species and promote coexistence. In addition, MGHP supports and conducts research to improve conservation outcomes. Current projects include testing satellite tracking devices on ex-situ birds, assessing the effectiveness of aversion training to prevent released individuals from landing on hazardous infrastructure, and analysing lead levels in individuals showing signs of toxicosis. In the Matobo District of Zimbabwe research is being conducted into emerging threats from small scale farming (L. Kemp in litt. 2016).

Conservation Actions Proposed
Long-term studies are needed to understand how the species adapts to seasonal changes in the highly variable Limpopo environment (Theron 2011). This includes monitoring the seasonal abundance of invertebrate prey using methods like pitfall traps and sweep netting, and correlating food availability and climatic conditions with breeding outcomes. Radio-tracking of more groups in the region will help refine knowledge of territory sizes and movement patterns (Theron 2011). Furthermore, comparative studies across the species’ broader range, especially in regions with smaller territories, are recommended to better understand habitat requirements and to support conservation planning at a landscape scale. Integrating these ecological insights with targeted management actions will enhance efforts to stabilise and expand populations across southern Africa (Theron 2011). Further identify the degree of impact the harvesting of this species may have. Conduct population surveys and establish monitoring to assess population trends. Identify key strongholds of the species and prevent further habitat degradation in these areas. Collect sighting data at a national scale to build up a database for comparison to existing atlas data and for range states engaged in the Southern African Bird Atlas Project to ensure maximum coverage. Monitor trade of this species. Continue awareness campaigns to prevent persecution, and accidental mortalities due to abusive and non-targeted use of pesticides and poisons. Promote and revive existing cultural protection. Continue to research the effectiveness of artificial nest-sites. Protected area (PA) networks in Zimbabwe play a critical role in the conservation of the Southern Ground-hornbill, with areas with higher protection status associated with greater habitat suitability for the species. Research by Mudereri et al. (2021) projects that 8% of suitable habitat currently within PAs may become unsuitable by 2050 due to environmental changes. However, a projected decline in suitability is expected in eastern PAs, while western PAs may become increasingly suitable. Conservation planning should therefore account for potential range contractions in the east and incorporate strategies to support a westward habitat shift.