Context:

Northern Bald Ibis was revived by breeding and rewilding efforts over the last two decades.

Northern Bald Ibis (Geronticus Eremita)

• The northern bald ibis is a middle-sized gregarious bird that nests in colonies.
• Scientific name: Geronticus eremita.
• Conservation status: It is classified as endangered on the IUCN Red List.

Species Description:

• These birds have a long, curved red bill, red legs, and an unfeathered reddish head with the typical dark crest of neck plumes covering its back.
• Its main color is black with iridescent blue, green, and copper tints, and a purple-green “shoulder patch” on the wings.

Habitat and Feeding:

• They prefer to inhabit an arid or semi-arid environment, with cliffs for breeding and nesting.
• Feeds during the day in dry fields and along rivers or streams, eating worms, insects, lizards, and other small animals.
• Lives in areas with low vegetation, preferably cultivated places.
• Northern bald ibises are usually migratory; they spend about four months in a breeding area, and their wintering period lasts between five and six months.
• Since the beginning of the 20th century, sharp decline in the western and eastern population.

Conservation efforts

• Conservation efforts were initiated in the 1970s and breeding individuals have since been located in Syria.
• The efforts of Fritz and the Waldrappteam, a conservation and research group based in Austria, brought the Central European population from zero to almost 300 since the start of their project in 2002.
• Reducing losses from illegal hunting, electrocutions which was the primary cause for Northern Bald Ibis losses.