The Revival of the Northern Bald Ibis: A Migration Effort

The Northern Bald Ibis, also called the Waldrapp, once inhabited North Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, and much of Europe. Tragically, by the 17th century, it was hunted almost to extinction. Recent years have spotlighted significant breeding and rewilding efforts aimed at reviving this remarkable bird. However, these birds, recognized for their black and iridescent green plumage, bald red heads, and long curved beaks, lack the instinctual knowledge required for migration.

Biologist Johannes Fritz emphasizes the necessity of teaching these birds migration routes. Without the guidance from wild-born elders, the young Northern Bald Ibises struggle to find their way during migration. An enthusiastic mix of scientists and conservationists have taken on the roles of foster parents and flight instructors to address this challenge.

Historically, Northern Bald Ibises flew vast distances across North Africa and Europe, including Bavaria in southern Germany. Due to increased hunting, the bird disappeared from Europe, although isolated populations survived elsewhere. Since the inception of the Waldrapp team’s efforts in 2002, Central Europe's Northern Bald Ibis population surged from almost zero to nearly 300 birds. This progress shifted their status from "critically endangered" to "endangered," marking a crucial attempt to reintroduce a continentally extinct migratory species.

While these ibises show an inherent desire to migrate, their lack of learned routes results in poor direction. Early reintroduction attempts faltered as most birds lost their way soon after release. Instead of migrating to pleasant wintering spots, like parts of Italy, many flew aimlessly and ultimately died.

Recognizing this shortfall, the Waldrapp team implemented the role of foster parents for the birds. After their breeding, chicks are relocated to an aviary managed by these caregivers, which fosters trust and interaction between the birds and humans.

Barbara Steininger, one of the team’s foster moms, describes her role: "We take good care of them and see that they are healthy." In addition to feeding and cleaning, she and the team connect with the birds to ease their migration process.

To enable their journey, team members fly in unique microlight aircraft. As the aircraft, resembling a flying go-kart, takes off, the foster parents encourage the birds using bullhorns. Amazingly, around three dozen birds attentively follow the piloted craft, soaring over stunning mountainous terrains.

Inspired by "Father Goose" Bill Lishman’s pioneering work with Canadian geese, Fritz was propelled to replicate this success with the Northern Bald Ibis. His team's efforts yielded impactful results—the first bird successfully migrated back to Bavaria in 2011. Each year, more ibises travel the route, which extends approximately 550 kilometers (342 miles). The goal is for the Central European population to surpass 350 birds and achieve self-sustenance by 2028.

Nevertheless, climate change introduces considerable challenges. The Waldrapp now migrates later, necessitating crossings over the Alps when conditions are harsher. During these strenuous periods, the absence of warm air currents limits their energy reserves for successful travel.

In 2023, the team initiated a new route from Bavaria to Andalusia in southern Spain, extending the journey to about 2,800 kilometers (1,740 miles)—roughly 300 kilometers longer than the previous year. Earlier this month, they guided 36 birds through bright blue skies while benefiting from a helpful tailwind.

This comprehensive undertaking could span up to 50 days, concluding in early October. Yet, according to Fritz, the mission transcends the Northern Bald Ibis. It aims to create a pathway for other threatened migratory species, ensuring a more secure future for them all.

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