In Paterzell, Germany, efforts are being made to teach Northern Bald Ibises how to fly and migrate. Once hunted almost to extinction by the 17th century, these distinctive birds have been revived through breeding and rewilding initiatives over the past twenty years. However, they require guidance on migration routes as they lack the instinctual knowledge to do so independently.
Biologist Johannes Fritz and the Waldrappteam, a conservation and research group in Austria, have been instrumental in increasing the Central European population of Northern Bald Ibises from zero to nearly 300 since their project began in 2002. Their work has elevated the species from “critically endangered” to “endangered” status, marking the first attempt to reintroduce a continentally extinct migratory bird species.
To ensure the success of reintroduction efforts, the Waldrappteam has taken on the roles of foster parents and flight instructors for the birds. By imprinting on humans from a young age and following microlight aircraft piloted by guides like Fritz, the Ibises are guided along their migration route from Germany to Spain, adapting to changes brought about by climate change.
The foster parents, including Barbara Steininger, provide care and interaction for the birds to establish trust and facilitate their successful migration. Through these unconventional but effective methods, the Northern Bald Ibises have shown promising results, with some independently completing the migration back to Bavaria from Tuscany.
As the effects of climate change impact their migratory patterns, the Waldrappteam has piloted new routes to ensure the safety and success of the Ibises’ journey. This year’s route from Bavaria to Andalusia in Spain covers approximately 2,800 kilometers, longer than previous paths due to changing environmental conditions.
With the mission extending beyond the Northern Bald Ibises, the efforts of Fritz and his team serve as a model for conservationists working to protect other threatened migratory species. This collaborative approach involving humans and technology highlights the importance of innovation and adaptation in safeguarding the natural world.
