International symposium
Newsletter 10/08/2016
From August 4 to 7, an international symposium was held in Seekirchen am Wallersee, Salzburg, at the invitation of the European species conservation project LIFE + Reason for Hope. 37 scientists and wildlife conservation experts from 13 countries discussed the implementation of measures to prevent the extinction of the Northern Bald Ibis and achieve a downgrade of this species from the currently highest threat category in the red list of threatened species within the next ten years.
The reason for the meeting was the publication of an international action plan for the Northern Bald Ibis and the successes in the ongoing research and reintroduction projects in Europe.
Of the formerly numerous wild colonies of the Northern Bald Ibis in the Middle East, North Africa and Europe, only around 500 birds are left, living on the Moroccan Atlantic coast. Around 3,000 individuals that live in zoos and reproduce well are the basis for projects whose objective is the reintroduction of the species in parts of the former distribution range.
There are currently four species conservation projects in Europe that keep free-flying Northern Bald Ibises. Two of them are located in Austria (Konrad Lorenz Research Station in Upper Austria and Tierpark Rosegg in Carinthia) and one in Andalusia (Projecto Eremita).
The fourth, most extensive project is co-funded by the European Union in the context of the LIFE + program. Eight partners, headed by Waldrappteam, aim to reintroduce three breeding colonies of Northern Bald Ibises. General Project Manager Johannes Fritz: "Most of the Northern Bald Ibises, including former European stocks, lived as migratory birds. Our project is the first attempt ever to reintroduce a continentally extinct migratory species with distinct migratory behaviour. Among other things, therefore, the importance of this project goes far beyond the immediate framework. "
During the symposium it was decided to carry out feasibility studies and habitat analyses within parts of the former distribution areas, using standardized methods and concentrating on areas where the political situation allows such studies. In particular, a reintroduction of the Northern Bald Ibis in the Middle East is currently not to be expected. In addition, when choosing potential future habitats for Northern Bald Ibises, the impacts of climate change will be taken into account. J Fritz: "In addition to the positive development of the last wild population in Morocco, especially the ongoing projects in Europe give Reason for Hope, according to the motto of our project.”
Our thanks go to the state of Salzburg, represented by Federal Councillor Heidi Reiter, for the financial support, as well as to the city of Seekirchen, represented by Deputy Mayor Walter Gigerl, for their cooperation in the planning of the event. The Austrian Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Environment and Water Management was represented by Ministerialrätin Enrica Seltenhammer.
Photo: Group photo during flight training in Seekirchen, Brunn.
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