It is endemic to the Sulu archipelago in the Philippines, with the remaining populations in Tawi-Tawi with it believed to be hunted to extinction on Jolo.

[3] In 2019 it was reported that only 27 mature individual hornbills are still believed to be alive in the wild making it one of the most endangered animals in the world.

Recorded in pairs All hornbills are monogamous and mate for life.They are cavity nesters and rely on large dipterocarp trees for breeding.

The female seals itself within the tree cavity and the male is in charge of gathering food for its mate and chicks.

The male stores food in a gular pouch and regurgitates it to feed its mate and chicks.

It has gone extinct on the island of Jolo with the last record in 1930s, due to hunting and the remaining populations in Tawi-Tawi are threatened by habitat destruction through logging and slash-and-burn farming.

[9] The only species specific conservation actions as of 2019 were 16 "tawsi Rangers" employed by the local government patrolling against illegal logging and protecting nests.

While an ex-situ captive breeding program was discussed, participants agreed that due issues with ownership of the birds and general lack of expertise, that these plans be re-explored 6-10 years in the future.