Researchers show the way for nearly extinct species

From Austria, researchers are leading a flock of acutely threatened birds along their migration route to former wintering grounds for the seventeenth year in a row. The aim is to teach them their forgotten migration route. The bird species is called the eremitibis and was extinct in Central Europe for 300 years.

» Updated: October 08 2024

» Published: August 31 2024

Researchers show the way for nearly extinct species
Photo: Waldrappteam Conservation & Research/AP/TT

Share this article

The flock consists of 36 birds and follows the researchers, who are flying an ultralight aircraft, on a journey that can take up to 50 days and is approximately 2,800 kilometers long. They departed on August 13 and are expected to arrive at their destination in Andalusia, southern Spain, in early October, according to The Guardian.

The aircraft has a small fan-like engine at the rear and a yellow parachute that keeps it hovering. Before the journey, parts of the research team had taken care of the birds and become their security. During the route, the same researchers sit on the plane and wave and shout encouragingly to the birds.

The Waldrappteam project is the first time this method is being used to reintroduce a migratory species. Biologist Johannes Fritz came up with the idea and is the one flying.

It's an almost surreal experience, being up there in the sky with these birds, experiencing them in the air, he says.

Nearly Extinct

The northern bald ibis, known for its red head and long curved beak, was once common in North Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, and large parts of Europe. After hunting and habitat destruction, they were extinct in Central Europe for over 300 years, with small populations surviving in zoos.

Breeding to increase the population has been ongoing for over two decades, but without guidance from wild ancestors, the birds did not know in which direction to fly for the winter. Before the guidance from the research group, they flew in different directions and died.

To succeed with the migration, the chicks are taken from the zoo where they are bred, just a few days old, to be raised and imprinted by humans who they will then follow. Once they arrive at the wintering site, the birds are completely independent.

The Climate Crisis Challenges

The Central European population has increased from zero to almost 300 since the project started in 2002. The first generations have already bred in the wild and taught their young the migration route.

However, the climate crisis has made the first migration route to Italy more difficult, and the research group must take the birds on a new route. The species migrates later now, and therefore the route over the Alps becomes dangerous and cold, and the goal is now Andalusia in Spain. The new route is almost 300 kilometers longer than the previous one.

This method we have developed is urgently needed for an increasing number of other migratory bird species. It's a flagship project that indicates what is possible, says Johannes Fritz.

Tags

Author

TTT
By TTEnglish edition by Sweden Herald, adapted for local and international readers

More news

Tips to Navigate Divorce Challenges and Costs
2 MIN READ

Tips to Navigate Divorce Challenges and Costs

Man Seriously Injured in Four-Wheeler Accident Near Norrköping
1 MIN READ

Man Seriously Injured in Four-Wheeler Accident Near Norrköping

Explosion in Electrical Cabinet Injures One in Munkedal Workshop
1 MIN READ

Explosion in Electrical Cabinet Injures One in Munkedal Workshop

Car and Loader Collision Near Svalöv Injures Several, Children Hospitalized
1 MIN READ

Car and Loader Collision Near Svalöv Injures Several, Children Hospitalized

Luxury Cars Seized as Swedish Enforcement Authority Targets Criminals
2 MIN READ

Luxury Cars Seized as Swedish Enforcement Authority Targets Criminals

Mountain Litter Drops 70 Percent; Snus Most Common Trash
1 MIN READ

Mountain Litter Drops 70 Percent; Snus Most Common Trash

National Road 62 in Värmland Faces Collapse Risk Amid EU Regulations
1 MIN READ

National Road 62 in Värmland Faces Collapse Risk Amid EU Regulations

Elderly Couple Assaulted and Robbed in Kalmar Home Invasion
1 MIN READ

Elderly Couple Assaulted and Robbed in Kalmar Home Invasion

Few Convicted Despite 1500 Illegal Eel Nets Seized in Blekinge
1 MIN READ

Few Convicted Despite 1500 Illegal Eel Nets Seized in Blekinge

Suspected Dangerous Object Discovered in Malmö Pond
1 MIN READ

Suspected Dangerous Object Discovered in Malmö Pond

Sweden's Moose Population Rises After Years of Decline, SLU Reports
1 MIN READ

Sweden's Moose Population Rises After Years of Decline, SLU Reports

Family Learns of Mother's Death in Fire Through Media Reports
1 MIN READ

Family Learns of Mother's Death in Fire Through Media Reports

Girl Gang Harasses and Provokes Younger Girls in Borås
2 MIN READ

Girl Gang Harasses and Provokes Younger Girls in Borås

Åkesson Proposes Life Imprisonment or Castration for Pedophiles
3 MIN READ

Åkesson Proposes Life Imprisonment or Castration for Pedophiles

Man Hospitalized After Stabbing in Götene; Woman Arrested
1 MIN READ

Man Hospitalized After Stabbing in Götene; Woman Arrested

Gang Steals Over 40 Four-Wheelers in Northern Sweden
2 MIN READ

Gang Steals Over 40 Four-Wheelers in Northern Sweden

Wolf Attack Kills 17 Sheep in Östergötland
1 MIN READ

Wolf Attack Kills 17 Sheep in Östergötland

Sweden Empowers Customs to Halt Export of Stolen Goods
2 MIN READ

Sweden Empowers Customs to Halt Export of Stolen Goods

New Law Empowers Swedish Customs to Combat Export Smuggling
3 MIN READ

New Law Empowers Swedish Customs to Combat Export Smuggling

Sheep's Head Found Outside Malmö Company Sparks Police Investigation
1 MIN READ

Sheep's Head Found Outside Malmö Company Sparks Police Investigation