In which of the following regions of India are you most likely to come across the `Great Indian Hornbill’ in its natural habitat?

The Great Indian Hornbill is primarily found in three distinct regions of South Asia:

• Western Ghats
• Himalayan foothills (from Uttaranchal to southern Nepal and Bhutan)
• Northeast India

These birds typically inhabit primary evergreen and moist deciduous forests, predominantly in lowland areas, though they can be found at altitudes of up to 2,000 meters in certain regions.

Considering their habitat preferences, the Western Ghats are the most likely location to encounter them.

The other options (Sand deserts of northwest India, Higher Himalayas of Jammu and Kashmir, and Salt marshes of western Gujarat) do not provide suitable habitats for the Great Indian Hornbill.

Hence, option D is the correct answer.

Sources:

• Hornbills.in