Newsletter / Blog
2011-07-20 Morocco’s ibis wardens need your support
Spanish Partner SEO/BirdLife has launched an appeal to secure the
world’s largest remaining population. Morocco’s Souss-Massa National
Park region is crucial for Northern Bald Ibis, as all the country’s
breeding colonies occur here. Over the last 14 years SEO/BirdLife has
supported a dedicated team of local wardens, who are deeply involved in
the protection and scientific monitoring of the species. Now they are
calling for additional support so this team can continue their vital
work.
The nest sites are located on coastal cliffs within the National Park
and Tamri area, with an estimated 110 breeding pairs in 2009. There are
several roosting sites, and most of the coastal steppes and fallow
fields are used as feeding areas. The main known threat is the growth of
tourism, and related disturbance to breeding and feeding habitats.
Additionally, some birds have been killed by poachers.
The Souss-Massa National Park works with SEO/BirdLife on NBI
conservation and sustainable management activities. The main
institutions which have supported this successful project are the
Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID), Territori i Paisatge Foundation,
Swarovski, and the Spanish National Parks Authority. Recently, the NBI
conservation plan has gained the support of the Prince Albert II of
Monaco Foundation and Dublin Zoo.
A National Species Action Plan has been drawn up, including priority
actions to be implemented to secure and further improve the growth of
the population. Tagging individuals with coloured rings and satellite
transmitters is a priority action. Satellite tagging has proven to be
extremely useful in determining the movements of the tiny NBI population
in Syria.
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