5 Northern Bald Ibis at La Tomina reserve, NE Italy, on August 19 through 23, 2006

According to information from the SOM (Stazione Ornitologica Modenese), five Northern Bald Ibis (Geronticus eremita) have been present since August 19, 2006, at La Tomina reserve, N of Modena, NE Italy. The birds, all ringed 2cy, are part of a reintroduction scheme involving Austria and Italy, and are coming from the WWF reserve Oasis Laguna di Orbetello in Tuscany, C Italy. During 2004 and 2005, two groups for a total of 14 Bald Ibis were escorted there by an ultra-light aircraft from Scharnstein, Upper Austria (7 in 2004 and 7 in 2005). The hand-rearing of offspring was prepared in Austria, with eggs and nestlings coming from various european zoos. The young Bald Ibises had spent the winters in C Italy and were given their independence on the following springtimes. For the first time in 400 years there are free-flying Bald Ibis in Europe who have the imprint of their migratory route and thereby the capability to survive independently in the wild. The release of the birds in spring is in accordance with the natural dynamism of the family group. The adult birds return swiftly to their breeding territory to reproduce. The juveniles return either later in spring to the breeding territory or remain in winter quarters for 2 to three years until they have reached sexual maturity. The experimental founding of a migratory colony is only one of the Austrian team’s activities. They worked closely with the Konrad Lorenz research institute in order to create a broadly based pool of knowledge for the protection and reintroduction of this greatly endangered species. The international popularity of the project is also being used to sensitize the general public, and in particular young people, for species conservation.  The first and most necessary priority of sexually mature birds in the reproduction cycle is the return migration. Young Bald Ibis do not have this motivation as members of the ibis family of birds reach sexual maturity only after a number of years.  The birds have no problems with foraging independently. Analysis of Bald Ibis diet in Tuscany has shown that up to 90% of their daily requirements consist of worms, larvae, beetles and snails for which they probe to a depth of up to 10 cm. They possess a highly specialised tool for this. The some 12 cm long, slightly curved beak works like a pair of tweezers – the upper and lower mandibles meet at the tip only. A hook on the upper mandible assists in getting a grip on the food source. The tip of the beak is also equipped with smell and taste organs. All Bald Ibis kept in zoos originate from Morocco. First imports into zoos occurred in the 1940s but all birds died soon after their arrival. The next imports in the 1950s survived and are the founders of the current zoo population. Three bloodlines exist within the zoo population, which is managed under a European Endangered Species Programme (EEP): Basel Zoo, imported in the 1950s and 60s, Rabat Zoo, captured in the 1970s, and Naturzoo Rheine, the last imports of wild birds in 1976 and 1978. Last Minute. The 5 Bald Ibis were last observed by Raffaele Gemmato when roosting at La Tomina reserve on the evening of August 23rd, while 2 Bald Ibis were recorded in direct fly and soaring over the Asolo hills, near Treviso, NE Italy, by Gianfranco Martignago, Franco Trave, Francesco Mezzavilla & Fabio Piccolo on August 25th. 

Photos courtesy of Raffaele Gemmato and William Vivarelli.

23:21 - Wednesday, August 23, 2006 - post comment