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Microplanes Guide Ibis: A New Era for Endangered Birds
2 Oct
Summary
- Human guides in micro aircraft assist bald ibis migration.
- Northern bald ibis were extinct in Europe for 300 years.
- Project aims to establish a self-sustaining population of 300 birds.
Fifteen new bald ibis have arrived in northern Spain, guided by humans piloting micro aircraft as part of an initiative to foster a sustainable migratory population.
These birds are rejoining Europe's growing flock of northern bald ibis (Geronticus eremita), a species that had been extinct on the continent for three centuries. Following drastic population declines in Morocco by the late 20th century, captive breeding and reintroduction programs were launched across Europe.
The Alt Empordà project in Catalonia, Spain, recently welcomed birds from Austria, adding to an established flock. Launched in 2024, the project successfully created a flock of nearly 60 ibis by 2025, released in March 2026. A dedicated team and volunteers manage the birds and site, collaborating with the Aiguamolls Park.
The project's goal is to mitigate risks to breeding and reduce mortality until a self-sustaining population can be achieved. The team anticipates its first breeding pair within one to two years, with ibis typically breeding at three to four years old. They plan to partially construct nests to assist the young birds.
This initiative is part of a larger European effort involving projects in Austria and Jerez. Experienced human 'foster parents' from the Waldrapp team guide the birds' migration between these locations using ultralight aircraft, significantly lowering the mortality rate compared to earlier efforts.
Over the next decade, the Alt Empordà group aims to release ibis into the region, targeting at least 50 breeding pairs and around 300 individuals in the wild. The county serves as a crucial stopover point for migration, connecting potential colonies across Europe to foster genetic diversity.
The project also plays a vital role in environmental education, raising awareness, and promoting active conservation. Its charisma has even influenced corporate action, with a utility company retrofitting pylons to be safer for birds.
As project leader Bernat Garrigós states, preventing extinctions and habitat destruction requires active effort, not just cessation of harm. This work contributes to building diverse, resilient ecosystems essential for both wildlife and humanity.
