Language
Country/Area
No result found
The mysterious reappearance of the northern bald ibis: Why was this ancient bird rediscovered in Syria?
The Northern Bald Heron (Geronticus eremita), an endangered migratory bird, was once widely distributed in the Middle East, North Africa, and southern and central Europe. Its confirmation in Syria in recent years has brought great surprise and attention to the scientific community. This unusual bird, notable for its distinctive featherless red face and long curved bill, has almost disappeared from the wild in recent years. Rediscovered in the Syrian desert in 2002, the gradual recovery of this salt field has led us to rethink the impact of human activities on the natural world.
Data on the northern bald heron shows its population has dropped by 98% in the past 100 years.
The bird's history can be traced back to fossil records dating back 1.8 million years. It once flourished throughout Europe, but due to human hunting and habitat loss, it became extinct in Europe and now only exists in Morocco and several a place. According to recent surveys, there are reports of a gradual recovery of these birds in some areas of Morocco. Nevertheless, the status of the Northern Bald Ibis in Syria remains unclear, as its numbers have declined to approximately zero levels.
"Satellite tagging of northern bald herons in 2006 revealed behavioral patterns of four birds during the upland winter."
Since the discovery of this small population in 2002, much conservation work has been underway, including community stewardship and technical training, and through these efforts, local residents have begun to gain a new understanding of this ancient bird. Conservation measures in the Palmyra region in particular have allowed these birds to find habitat on the edge of the desert despite the threat of killing and hunting.
The birds are also noteworthy for their unique breeding behavior, nesting on cliffs or rocks rather than in trees, showing their potential for adaptation to dry environments. Each couple usually lays two to four eggs each year, and the male and female raise the chicks together. By observing its hunting habits, such as eagles and other predators, conservationists work to reduce the impact of this threat.
"This bird, which relies on terrestrial and non-intensive agricultural ecosystems, faces increasing challenges to its survival."
Several habitats in Morocco are recovering under conservation programmes and data has shown a significant rebound in breeding numbers. However, conservationists realize that these efforts are concentrated in specific areas, and without increased effective management and protection of natural habitats, the survival of the northern bald heron may be permanently threatened.
Disturbance from human activities, such as pollution and habitat alteration, has increased their risk over time, as the conditions they encounter in the wild are changing. In addition to facing problems such as predators and food shortages, excessive use of pesticides by humans has also had irreversible effects on them. Nonetheless, conservation efforts are still occurring, with major successes in some key areas.
In Syria, thanks to the efforts of the local community and the importance they place on this wild bird, the return of the northern bald egret population is not only a return to ecology, but also a symbol of the continuation of an ancient culture. Such efforts have given local communities a new appreciation and understanding of conservation, and hopefully will lead to a larger conservation movement in the future.
"Revitalizing the northern bald heron is not only about protecting a precious species, but also a profound reflection on how humans can coexist harmoniously with nature."
Scientists and conservationists hope that the return of the northern bald heron will provide a learning example for future ecological protection work, and that more such species will reappear in their hometown in the future. However, is this path to recovery solid enough and sustainable?
