Northern Bald Ibis
It is exceptional to see any of its members
It is also called Waldrapp Ibis or Hermit Ibis : is this because, having no feathers on its head, and a red face, it makes one think – with much imagination – of a ruddy monk ?
The Northern Bald Ibis is one of the 100 species most in danger of extinction ! These days it can only be found in Morocco, where a population of about 500 birds remains. There are perhaps still some birds in the Middle East.
In any case, it completely disappeared from Europe 300 years ago. Thanks to reproduction programs, we hope to reintroduce it into the Alps and Spain. Pairi Daiza is participating in those protection efforts.
The species is therefore in a critical situation and it is exceptional to see any of its members !
Nesting in cliffs, the female lays 2 to 3 eggs in a nest of twigs. Its plumage is bluish-black and its long red beak is bent. It feeds on little creatures, insects, lizards and amphibians.
A "critically endangered" species
- Name: Northern Bald Ibis
- Latin name: Geronticus eremita
- Origin: Africa, the Middle East (Species Extincts in Europe)
- IUCN status: Critically endangered
- Cites: Appendix I
