After more than 300 years, the northern bald ibis, once thought to exist only in ancient drawings, has made a remarkable return to Europe. With its glossy black feathers and curved beak, this bird once roamed across continents and held cultural significance in ancient times, even featuring in Egyptian hieroglyphs to symbolise "spirit." Now, thanks to dedicated conservation efforts, this bird is finding its way back into its old habitats.

The Northern Bald Ibis' Struggle for Survival

By the late 20th century, the northern bald ibis population had shrunk to just 59 breeding pairs, all located in Morocco. Human activities such as hunting, habitat destruction, and pesticide use brought this species to the brink of extinction. Yet, conservation programmes in Morocco have since been instrumental in helping the species recover, as reported by CNN.

In 1991, the establishment of the Souss-Massa National Park in Morocco provided the ibis with much-needed protection for its breeding and feeding habitats. The population, once dwindling, has now grown to over 500 individuals. In response, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) downgraded the bird's status from "critically endangered" to "endangered." The ibis is an adaptable forager, feeding mainly on insects and larvae, and has proven resilient in the face of its changing environment.

A Return to Europe

Efforts to reintroduce the northern bald ibis to Europe, where it once thrived, are now showing success. In Spain’s Andalusia region, a project launched in 2004 has successfully reintroduced the bird into the wild. The birds, reared by human caregivers, are gradually released into their natural habitat, giving new hope for the species' long-term survival in southern Europe.

Meanwhile, in Austria and Germany, a unique initiative led by Austrian biologist Johannes Fritz is helping reintroduce migratory northern bald ibises. Raised in captivity, these birds are taught their migratory routes by following a small aircraft. Since 2003, Fritz and his team have successfully guided the birds from Germany to southern Europe, ensuring they learn to navigate their ancient paths. Due to environmental changes, their migration route now ends in Spain.

Future Challenges

Despite these efforts, the northern bald ibis still faces threats. Climate change is forcing them to adjust their migration patterns, while poaching remains a serious issue. In 2023 alone, 17 per cent of the European migratory population was lost due to illegal hunting. Continued conservation work is essential to ensure the survival of this ancient and resilient species.

The northern bald ibis’ return to Europe is a testament to the power of conservation, proving that even species on the brink of extinction can make a comeback with dedicated effort.