Rare Northern Bald Ibis sighting near Antdorf: Hope for the migratory bird!

Rare Northern Bald Ibis sighting near Antdorf: Hope for the migratory bird!

A very special event recently happened near Antdorf: During a bike ride, Hubert Klein discovered a northern bald ibis, an extremely rare migratory bird that was considered extinct for a long time. This sighting is notable not only for the region, but also for species conservation, as the northern bald ibis is one of the most threatened bird species in the world. Many people probably have to look up what this bird is all about, but the reintroduction of the northern bald ibis has been actively supported for over 20 years Mercury reported.

Last year, the northern bald ibis team, which is dedicated to reintroducing this impressive bird species, flew through the district for the first time. The spectacular journey stretched over 2,600 kilometers to Spain and set a world record. The team was on the move for an impressive 52 days and managed even dangerous wind situations without having to make an emergency landing. During this tour, 36 young birds were transported, some in cars, and finally released into the wild in December, where they joined an existing Northern Bald Ibis population in Überlingen.

Distinctive features and lucky charms

The recently spotted northern bald ibis, a male named “Paride”, commutes between Salzburg and the Allgäu. He has obviously developed a certain level of trust in people. Particularly striking in this story is the female “Dr. Saurier”, who was the first northern bald ibis to fly back to Überlingen from Andalusia. It is also interesting that the young birds accompanied by the northern bald ibis team will not fly home until next year at the earliest. For the near future, the team is planning another flight to Spain in August, during which 32 chicks will be transported, also with a stopover in Paterzell.

The northern bald ibis is more than just a traditional bird; he embodies the hope for the return of an almost lost species. This is particularly important because the northern bald ibis was extinct in Europe in the 17th century. Attempts are being made to establish new breeding colonies with appropriate species protection projects, such as in the new LIFE20 project, which is planning three new breeding colonies in Goldau (Switzerland), Bussolengo (Italy) and Rosegg (Austria). These projects are carried out by, among others Vienna Zoo promoted.

Challenges of resettlement

Reintroducing the northern bald ibis is not easy. In 2022, 46 young birds hatched in the wild, while a total of 57 were released into the wild. The wild bald ibis population now numbers 201 animals, which is far below the sustainable number of 357 birds. The main causes of the losses are poaching in Italy and electrical accidents on unsecured medium-voltage lines in Austria. Numerous funded projects, such as the Heidelberg Zoo, try to help the population by researching the migratory behavior of the birds and creating suitable habitats.

With a continued commitment to combating indiscriminate hunting and creating safe nesting sites, the institutions involved hope that the Northern Bald Ibis can once again thrive in its former habitats. It remains to be hoped that further sightings of these extraordinary creatures in our region will soon represent not only moments of happiness, but also signs of successful species protection.