About thirty juvenile birds learn a new migratory route directed by their adoptive human mothers who travel by ultralight from Germany to cross Spain for the first time to reach Andalusia.
When the first rays of the sun wanted to appear over the horizon, shortly after 7.30am. in the morning, a very special delegation took off from the Olocau airfield (Valencia): about thirty youths from hermit ibis (Geronticus the hermit) instinctively following their adoptive human mothers traveling in two ultralight planes and who have the important mission of guiding them with the aim of establishing a new migratory route from Germany and, for the first time, crossing Spain to their final destination in Andalusia. BIOPARC has been the institution in charge of organizing its stop in the Valencian Community the administration of all the feeding of these precious birds that are tremendously threatened and that They became extinct in Europe in the 17th century. The images of this peculiar conservation action on its journey through 3 countries are impressive and of great beauty and are an example of the importance of coordinated action between different institutions and organizations.
This important international conservation project in which BIOPARC participates has the objective of guaranteeing the survival and reintroducing into nature the Hermit Ibis, an emblematic species that became extinct in Europe in the 17th century.v
Climate change is one of the causes that has motivated a new strategy in conservation and recovery of the hermit ibis of which only 700 specimens remain in Morocco. European funds have promoted two Life projects to reintroduce this bird in Europe thanks to controlled breeding. On the one hand, a migratory colony in Central Europe and another sedentary one in Andalusia. The increasingly longer warm autumn period is affecting the forced migration of birds that do not find appropriate conditions towards the end of the year. In this sense, it was decided create a new migratory route to ensure the long-term survival of these European populations.
Complexity is not only a distance of 2.300 kilometers, but need to “teach” juvenile ibises this vital itinerary through guided flight. First of all, it is necessary to confirm the success of the breeding to achieve a sufficient imprint between the chicks and their human mothers so that they follow them naturally. Subsequently, organize the entire migration operation that began on August 21 in Binningen in Baden-Württemberg (Germany) and, after crossing France and part of Spain, it arrived yesterday in the Valencian Community from which it left this morning towards Vejer de la Frontera (Cádiz).
Video: LIFE project for the reintroduction of the hermit ibis birds where BIOPARC Valencia collaborates.
An animal care specialist from BIOPARC Valencia has joined the team of 15 people who have the important job of preparing the ground camps at airfields and landing strips. All of this to cover human and animal needs and overcome the inclement weather that has affected flights these days, even making it necessary to make emergency landings. Still with several stages ahead, with the arrival at the end of the journey, it will be possible to unite this flock with the stable colony of the Hermit project that leads the Jerez de la Frontera zoo.
El Hermit Ibis or Northern Bald Ibis It is in serious danger of extinction, just one step away from being considered in a critical situation on the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List. BIOPARC Valencia hosts a colony of Sacred Ibis (Threskiornis aethiopicus), much better known among the population for its frequent presence in Egyptian culture.
