Extinct birds Northern bald ibis makes a comeback after 300 years, thanks to conservation efforts

After over three centuries of absence from Europe, the northern bald ibis , a species once believed to exist only in ancient drawings, is experiencing a remarkable revival. This bird, known for its glossy plumage and distinctive curved beak, once thrived across three continents and held symbolic significance in ancient cultures, represented by a hieroglyph symbolising the word "spirit."

By the late 20th century, however, the species had dwindled to a mere 59 breeding pairs, all confined to Morocco . Human activities such as hunting, habitat destruction, and pesticide use drove the bird to the brink of extinction. Fortunately, dedicated conservation efforts have begun to reverse this trend, allowing the northern bald ibis to claw its way back from near oblivion.




Northern bald ibis conservation success in Morocco

The remaining wild population of northern bald ibises is primarily found in Morocco, where various conservation initiatives have helped stabilise their numbers. The establishment of the Souss-Massa National Park on Morocco's west coast in 1991 provided crucial protection for the bird's breeding and feeding habitats.

A research program initiated in 1994 enabled ongoing monitoring of the population, resulting in significant recovery. Today, there are over 500 individuals in the wild, prompting the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) to downgrade the species' status from "critically endangered" to "endangered."

These birds, which prefer to nest in cliffs, rocky outcrops, and even urban ruins, are adaptive foragers. Their diet consists mainly of insects and larvae, although they continually adapt to the shifting nature of their habitats.




Comeback of northern bald ibis in Europe

While the Moroccan population has shown resilience, the species had long vanished from its European range. However, recent reintroduction projects are now yielding positive results. One notable effort is underway in Spain, where a program in Andalusia has successfully reintroduced northern bald ibises into the wild. Hand-reared by human "parents," the chicks are gradually released into their natural habitat. This initiative, which began in 2004, has been instrumental in re-establishing the species in southern Europe.

In Austria and Germany, a unique approach to reintroducing a migratory population is led by Austrian biologist Johannes Fritz. The birds, raised in captivity and lacking knowledge of migratory routes, are taught to migrate by following a tiny aircraft.

As the ultralight aircraft soars through the sky, human foster parents cheer and wave from the back, providing encouragement to the birds in flight. Since 2003, Fritz and his team have guided northern bald ibises from Germany to southern Europe, following a recently adjusted route that now ends in Spain due to environmental changes.




Challenges and threats to northern bald ibis

Despite the successes of conservation efforts, the northern bald ibis still faces several challenges. Threats such as poaching, pesticide use, and climate change continue to jeopardise their survival. In 2023, poaching alone accounted for the loss of 17 percent of migrating birds in Europe.

Additionally, the changing climate is forcing the ibises to alter their migration patterns, requiring adjustments in the timing of their journeys to account for the shifting environmental conditions. As efforts continue, there is hope that these remarkable birds will reclaim their place in the skies of Europe.




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