Record high numbers of Critically Endangered Northern Bald Ibis

RESPONSE: Conserving biodiversity

Record high numbers of Critically Endangered Northern Bald Ibis

The Northern Bald Ibis Geronticus eremita has had an eventful and turbulent relationship with humans, resulting in a sharp decline in its population in the last century. Thankfully, recent breeding successes resulting from the work of BirdLife Partners and the Government of Morocco gives hope for a harmonious relationship again in the future. The large, glossy-black bird once had an extensive range that spread across North Africa; it was idolized by humans as a symbol of fertility and virtue. Ironically, human pressures caused a decline in breeding success, and its subsequent dramatic range reduction resulted in its current classification as Critically Endangered. In 1997, the population reached an all-time low with only 59 breeding pairs remaining.

Today, 99% of the remaining wild birds are found in Morocco, where the Northern Bald Ibis population in Morocco increased to a record high of 601 individuals at the end of the 2016 breeding season. This is thanks to the continuous surveillance of the breeding sites at Souss-Massa National Park and Tamri by local guards, which protected the ibis from any disturbance and played a very important role in maintaining this population. Activities on the ground are coordinated by Groupe de Recherche pour la Protection des Oiseaux au Maroc (GREPOM, BIrdLife in Morocco) and the Moroccan Government.

The colonies at Souss-Massa National Park and nearby Tamri, both IBAs in south-west Morocco, held the record number of 122 breeding pairs when two more new breeding sites were discovered: a very significant sign of an expanding population. Support from several institutions, notably the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation: the BirdLife Species Champion, more recently joined by the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund and Zeiss, has contributed to conservation of this iconic bird.

Northern Bald Ibis. (PHOTO: ©Francisco Hererra)