Share to ClassroomHuman Guides Take Waldrapp to Spain
Fifteen ibises reached northern Spain with human guides. A small plane brought the birds from Austria. They are at Alt Empordà, in Catalonia. Biologist Bernat Garrigós leads the project. People also call these birds Waldrapp. For 300 years these birds were extinct in Europe.
Morocco had the last large wild group. The count fell from 9,000 to 250 birds. Austria and Jerez then planned to breed the birds and return them to the wild. Spain's project began in 2024. The area is in the middle of Austria and Jerez, so birds can rest there. Aiguamolls Park is a wetland and works with the team. Garrigós says the birds are clever and enjoy company. They are not afraid, because animals that eat them are new to them. After 20 years of practice, the death rate is much lower. These birds have no young until the age of three or four. With some luck, the first pair may appear in a year or two.
Within ten years Garrigós wants at least 50 pairs and about 300 birds living wild. Austria, Catalonia and Jerez want groups across Europe that travelling birds can link. Endesa, a large power company, is making tall towers easier for birds to see. Garrigós says people must also protect the land these birds need.
