- The northern bald ibis, nearly extinct by the 17th century, has been revived through breeding and rewilding efforts over the past two decades by Fritz and the Waldrappteam, a conservation and research group.
- Despite their natural urge to migrate, these birds, known for their black-and-iridescent green plumage, bald red head, and long curved beak, lack the instinct to navigate migration routes without guidance from wild-born elders.
- Since 2002, efforts have increased the Central European population from zero to nearly 300, moving the species from “critically endangered” to “endangered.”
- First attempt to reintroduce a continentally extinct migratory bird species.
- Initially, reintroduction attempts failed as the birds, lacking guidance, flew in various directions and perished.
- To overcome this, chicks are removed from their breeding colonies shortly after hatching and placed in an aviary where they imprint on human foster parents by Fritz and the Waldrappteam, a conservation and research group.
- The foster parents then guide the birds during migration by flying a microlight aircraft, which the birds follow over alpine meadows and foothills.
- The team aims to have over 350 birds in the Central European population by 2028, making it self-sustaining.
Dig Deeper: Read about such innovative conservation techniques used in the conservation of Vulture Species in India.
