Course:CONS200/2024WT1/It came back from extinction and now it’s learning to fly! The conservation of the Northern Bald Ibis in Europe
Introduction
The preservation of any species is a crucial aspect within conservation terms. Most species play some kind of role within an ecosystem and with their absence, the ecosystem can fall out of order. In this case, the northern bald ibis was once widespread but has now been unseen for over 400 years in Europe (Maccagnan et al, 2022). Current populations reside in Morocco, within Souss-Massa Nation Park and near a town called Tamri (Fritz et al, 2017). A smaller population can also be found in Birecik, Turkey (Fritz, 2024).
In the early 2000s, restoration projects began along with forensics to help researchers gain a better understanding on how these birds are killed (Maccagnan et al, 2022). The main issue in Italy appears to be human related causes as it was found that 60% of their deaths were from illegal hunting, trauma, and electrocution. (Maccagnan et al, 2022). Going back 400 years show much of the same results. Human interference at breeding sites, hunting, and pesticide usages were significant factors in there initial disappearance (Fritz et al, 2017)
The northern bald ibis would live in groups as they are considered a social species that bred and nested on cliffs and buildings. Within each nest there were 3-4 eggs, with chicks later becoming fully fledged in 42-50 days (Fritz et al, 2017). Some physical traits include having a red curved beak, black plumage, iridescent green feathers, bald red head, red legs, and long crested feathers around their face (Waldrapp, 2023). Additional characteristics include being 60 cm tall, having a wingspan of 125 cm, weighing 1-1.5 kg, and living up to 30 years old (Waldrapp, 2023).
Background Information / History
Northern Bald Ibis (Geronticus eremita) has a rich history, dating back thousands of years when it was widely distributed across North Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. In ancient Egypt, the bird held significant cultural and religious value, symbolizing the spirit of the deceased and appearing frequently in hieroglyphic representations. Its habitats included open landscapes near human settlements, where it foraged on invertebrates. However, this close association with humans also exposed the species to various threats over time.
The bird's decline began due to habitat destruction, hunting, and human encroachment. During the Middle Ages, the species was hunted extensively in Europe, contributing to its regional extinction. Later, in the 20th century, colonies in Turkey suffered catastrophic losses due to pesticide use, particularly DDT, which decimated populations. Combined with the impacts of climate change and the destruction of breeding habitats, these pressures drove the Northern Bald Ibis to near extinction, with only a small, isolated population surviving in Morocco by the late 20th century. Conservation efforts, such as the European LIFE+ project (Fritz & Janák, 2022), now focus on reintroducing and protecting this species.
Key points:
- The Northern Bald Ibis was historically found in Europe until the Middle Ages. Evidence of its presence includes bones, drawings, and historical reports (Schenker, 1977; Kumerloeve, 1978; Böhm and Pegoraro, 2011; Unsöld and Fritz, 2011; Fritz & Unsöld, 2015).
- Historical documents indicate that wild NBI populations were harvested for food, and there were attempts to preserve them through laws and regulations (Schenker, 1977).
- Despite these efforts, the species went extinct in Europe around 1630.
- Historically, the Northern Bald Ibis exhibited migratory behavior across its range (Bowden et al., 2008; Fritz & Unsöld, 2015; Kumerloeve, 1978). Records indicate that the European population was also migratory, with references to their return in spring (e.g., Schenker, 1981).
- For instance, Gesner (1557) noted that in March 1481, Northern Bald Ibises could be captured by hand due to harsh weather conditions.
- The wintering sites of the former European population remain unknown (Schenker, 1977; Fritz & Unsöld, 2015).
- Descendants of the European zoo population, originating from the Moroccan Atlas, continue to demonstrate migratory capabilities (Portugal et al., 2014; Bairlein et al., 2015; Voelkl et al., 2015).
- The LIFE+ project for the reintroduction of the Northern Bald Ibis began in 2014 after a 12-year feasibility study, aiming to establish sustainable migratory populations in Europe (Fritz, 2004; Fritz & Unsöld, 2015; Zoufal et al., 2007).
- The project is co-financed by the European Union and involves collaboration among partners from Austria, Germany, and Italy. It follows the IUCN Reintroduction Guidelines and has received high ratings from the European Commission for its conservation value.
- The main goal is to establish three migratory breeding colonies with at least 120 individuals total.
Current Conservation Efforts
Initiatives worldwide have been set in place to ensure that species that aren’t so well-known or popular (like the northern bald ibis) have some sort of protection (Fritz et al, 2017). A 12-year feasibility study has undergone huge collaborations with the European Union and eight other countries with the initiative being called the European LIFE+ reintroduction project (Fritz, 2021). This project aims to bring back northern bald ibis and establish a pattern of migration so that the species can survive (Fritz, 2024).
Following along with the Layman's report for the reintroduction of the northern bald ibis (2024) suggests that establishing migratory colonies, providing a wintering site, hand-raising, GPS tracking, implementing diverse campaigns to combat illegal hunting, and retrofitting powerlines are viable options in protecting these bird species (Fritz, 2024).
Reintroduction Programs
Some methods included human-led migration, where human-raised juvenile ibises learned migration routes by following microlight planes. From 2004 to 2016, ten human-led migration flights took place, gradually increasing the number of birds per flight and daily distances covered. The reintroduction program also used techniques like temporary adult supplementation to improve breeding success, juvenile supplementation to increase population size, and translocation to establish new colonies. Data from GPS-tagged birds enabled real-time monitoring, helping handlers track survival rates, manage health, and quickly respond to challenges. (Might be moved to successful outcomes or threats and challenges)To further reduce mortality, the LIFE+ project implemented direct anti-poaching measures, including partnerships with Italian law enforcement to increase patrols along migratory routes and in high-risk hunting zones. Regular training for local conservation teams improved rapid response to tracking data, allowing faster recovery or relocation of at-risk individuals (Fritz & Janák, 2022). The project also introduced additional protective protocols around power lines, working with utility companies to install bird-safe structures in known danger areas. Although illegal hunting and power line collisions continue to pose risks, these measures have contributed to a measurable decline in both threats, particularly during key migratory periods.
Threats and Challenges
The LIFE+ project addressed illegal hunting by enhancing public awareness through extensive campaigns in Italy, fostering collaboration with hunting associations, and improving monitoring of migratory paths. GPS tracking allowed the team to document losses and pinpoint high-risk areas. Other interventions included habitat management and cooperation with local authorities to mitigate threats such as power line collisions. Through these strategies, mortality due to illegal hunting decreased, although it remains a risk, particularly during migration.
The Northern Bald Ibis reintroduction project continues to face substantial threats and challenges, primarily from human-related causes. Illegal hunting remains the leading cause of mortality for this species during migration, especially within Italy. According to a forensic study, between 2016 and 2022, illegal hunting accounted for approximately 30% of recorded deaths, primarily during the hunting season in autumn (Fritz et al., 2022). The birds are often shot by individuals with legal hunting permits, underscoring a critical issue related to regulated hunting activities. In response, the project has equipped all ibises with GPS tags to monitor movements and identify mortality locations, enabling faster responses to hunting incidents and collaboration with local authorities to mitigate risks.
Additional human-induced challenges include blunt force trauma, often caused by collisions with vehicles, and electrocution from power lines as “Electrocution and collisions with power lines have been identified as a significant threat to the species, especially in breeding and foraging areas” (Fritz et al., 2023). Trauma accounted for 26% of recorded deaths, while electrocution was a minor cause. The project also identified natural threats, such as predation by small carnivores and starvation, particularly during winter months, though these natural causes were less common. Continued efforts, including forensic veterinary analysis and educational outreach to hunting communities, are essential to address these threats and support the species’ recovery in Europe
Successful Outcomes
By 2016, the project had established two functional breeding sites with over 99 birds across different colonies and was on track to achieve the goal of three self-sustaining colonies by 2019 and also “High fledging rates in the European reintroduced populations highlight the effectiveness of conservation methods, surpassing those of the wild populations in Morocco” (Fritz & Janák, 2022). Scientific output from the project, including studies on migration physiology and social flight dynamics, provided valuable insights into the species’ behavior and migration patterns. These research findings, combined with conservation actions, contributed to both the practical and academic advancement of reintroduction methodologies for endangered migratory species.
“The Waldrappteam’s approach to reintroduction has been recognized internationally as a model for species conservation, combining innovative methods with interdisciplinary research.” (Fritz & Janák, 2022). The reintroduction effort led to an increase in the population, with two breeding colonies established in Germany and two in Austria by 2021, contributing to a wild population of around 200 individuals. This population has shown high fecundity and promising survival rates.
The first-year survival rate for juveniles raised by human foster parents reached 0.73, significantly higher than other similar projects, attributed to rigorous pre-release training. Adult survival and high-quality feeding grounds north of the Alps have contributed to high reproductive success, with the population nearing a self-sustaining status. However, continued translocations and management interventions are deemed necessary to address mortality risks from threats like illegal hunting and electrocution on power lines. The project’s success provides a framework for similar reintroduction and conservation efforts under the next European LIFE project, aiming for further growth and sustainability.
Prospects
Some of the achievements include population growth through migration and reproduction, promoting ecotourism, and allowing researchers to do further studies on migration patterns (Fritz, 2024). The Northern Bald Ibis reintroduction program has implemented various strategies to ensure the species' survival, with significant achievements in population growth and migratory behavior. Technically, the use of GPS tracking has allowed for real-time monitoring, enabling quick responses to threats and data collection for studying migration. Socially, educational campaigns and community involvement, especially in areas prone to illegal hunting, have helped foster local support for conservation. Economically, promoting ecotourism can generate revenue to fund the program, while partnerships and grants provide necessary financial backing. Politically, strengthening and enforcing legal protections, particularly during migration seasons, could further reduce poaching risks.
These combined efforts have not only enhanced survival rates but also are opportunities for future research on migratory behaviors, contributing knowledge to conservation science. With continued investment in technical solutions, community engagement, economic incentives, and supportive policies, the project can move closer to establishing a self-sustaining Northern Bald Ibis population in Europe.
Conclusion
The reintroduction of the Northern Bald Ibis (NBI) in Europe represents a significant conservation effort aimed at restoring a species that historically thrived across the continent. The successful collaboration between conservationists, scientists, zoos, and various organizations has facilitated the establishment of migratory colonies through innovative methods such as human-led migration (HLM) and strategic supplementation techniques. Since the project's inception, there has been marked progress in establishing sustainable breeding populations in Burghausen and Kuchl, alongside the introduction of additional colonies planned for Ueberlingen. The combination of hand-raising practices, careful monitoring, and management of migratory behavior has led to an encouraging survival rate among juveniles, demonstrating the effectiveness of these conservation strategies. Despite the historical challenges, including illegal hunting, recent data suggests a significant decline in such losses due to proactive measures implemented by the LIFE+ project. As the population approaches the project’s goal of establishing three migratory colonies with at least 120 individuals, continued efforts in monitoring, management, and public awareness will be crucial for the long-term success and stability of the NBI population in Europe. The NBI's reintroduction not only serves as a vital step for this specific species but also sets a precedent for future conservation projects involving migratory birds and highlights the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing biodiversity loss in our changing world. Future research and adaptive management will be essential to ensure that these populations thrive, allowing the Northern Bald Ibis to reclaim its rightful place in Europe’s avian landscape.
References
Drenske, S., Radchuk, V., Scherer, C., Esterer, C., Kowarik, I., Fritz, J., & Kramer-Schadt, S. (2023). On the road to self-sustainability: Reintroduced migratory European northern bald ibises Geronticus Eremita still need management interventions for population viability: Oryx. Cambridge Core. Retrieved from:
Fritz, Johannes & Kramer, R. & Hoffmann, W. & Trobe, D. & Unsoeld, Markus. (2017). Back into the Wild: Establishing a Migratory Northern Bald Ibis Geronticus Eremita Population in Europe. International Zoo Yearbook. Retrieved from:https://www.researchgate.net/publication/318198653_Back_into_the_wild_establishing_a_migratory_Northern_bald_ibis_Geronticus_eremita_population_in_Europe
Fritz, J. (2021). The European LIFE+ northern bald ibis reintroduction project. Oryx, 55(6), 809–810. Retrieved from:
Fritz, J. (2021). The European life+ northern bald ibis reintroduction project: Oryx. Cambridge Core. Retrieved from:
Fritz, J., & Janák, J. (2022). Tracing the fate of the northern bald ibis over five millennia: An interdisciplinary approach to the extinction and recovery of an iconic bird species. MDPI. Retrieved from:
https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/12/12/1569
Maccagnan, F., Di Benedetto, L., Rosa, G., & Fico, R. (2022). Threats to the reintroduction program of the Northern Bald Ibis (Geronticus Eremita) in Italy: A forensic investigation. MDPI. Retrieved from:
https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/13/1/66
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