Priorities for Future Research

Although this species is one of the best studied of Asian barbets, many priority areas remain. The available research is controversial as to whether it is an agricultural pest or a beneficial remover of insect pests, and this should be a future area of research. In addition, its role as a seed disperser and in the health of forest ecosystems merits future study. Finally, as an adaptable species frequently occurring in cities, this species is valuable both in monitoring the effects of urbanization on birds, and as an index species in outreach programs geared towards educating the public about the benefits of birds.