Southern ground hornbills are notoriously poor breeders. Just between two and three eggs are laid with only one chick surviving the first couple of weeks due to competition for food. Around 70% of their chicks don’t make it to adulthood, with only one fledged every six years.
Various cultural uses have been attributed to this bird. It includes improving the ability to find food, altering perceptions of oneself, causing dreams to become a reality, and revenge on others. The Southern ground hornbill’s numbers have been declining for years, and the bird is classed as ‘Endangered’ in South Africa, Namibia, Swaziland, and Lesotho.