What's happened
Conservationists are guiding the reintroduced Northern Bald Ibis on its migratory route from Austria to Spain. This year marks the 17th journey with human-led migration guides, as the birds, once extinct in Central Europe, learn to navigate their long-forgotten path. The project highlights the challenges of teaching migratory routes to species without wild-born elders.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to Phoebe Weston in The Guardian, the Northern Bald Ibis was once common across Europe but became extinct in Central Europe for over 300 years. Conservationists have successfully reintroduced the species, but the birds require human guidance to migrate. Johannes Fritz, a biologist leading the project, emphasizes the surreal experience of flying alongside the birds, stating, "It’s a touching and extraordinary experience." The Independent highlights the innovative methods used, including fostering and imprinting techniques to ensure the birds trust their human guides. The success of this project could inform future conservation efforts for other migratory species facing similar challenges.
How we got here
The Northern Bald Ibis was hunted to extinction in Central Europe by the 17th century. Conservation efforts since 2002 have successfully increased their population from zero to nearly 300. However, the birds lack the instinctual knowledge of migration routes, necessitating human intervention to guide them.
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