The
Northern Bald Ibis Geronticus eremita has had an eventful and turbulent
relationship with humans that has resulted in a graph of its population decline
that matches its iconic red down-curved beak.
But
latest breeding successes resulting from work of BirdLife Partners and the
Government of Morocco gives hope for a harmonious relationship again in the
future.
The
large glossy-black bird once had an extensive range that spread across North
Africa, the Middle East and Europe and has been idolised by humans as a symbol
of fertility and virtue. Yet ironically human pressures have caused it to
struggle breeding, and its dramatic range-reduction renders it classified today
as Critically Endangered: reaching an all-time low at the end of the 20th
Century with only 50 breeding pairs remaining. Today, 99% of the remaining wild
birds are found in Morocco.
With
that in mind, it is a great pleasure to announce that colonies in Morocco have
had record reproductive success this year - the symbol of fertility now
managing to live up to its tradition!
For
the third year in a row, the colonies at Souss-Massa National Park and nearby
Tamri, both Important Bird & Biodiversity Areas in south-west Morocco,
formed a record number of breeding pairs, reaching 116 pairs in 2015.
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