How to save a species by teaching birds to migrate | Johannes Fritz | TEDxMantova

Key Concepts

• Northern Bald Ibis (Geronticus eremita): A critically endangered bird species, historically widespread but nearly extinct in Europe. The project focuses on re-establishing a migratory population.
• Imprinting: A critical learning process where young birds identify their parents (in this case, humans) and learn migratory routes from them.
• Led Flight Migration: A technique using microlight aircraft to guide young birds along a desired migratory path.
• Flagship Species: A species chosen to represent an environmental cause, garnering public support for broader conservation efforts.
• Climate Change Impact: The disruption of established migratory patterns due to changing weather conditions, specifically warmer winters and delayed thermals.
• Collaborative Conservation: The importance of partnerships between scientists, conservationists, and local communities.

The Reintroduction of the Northern Bald Ibis: A Journey from Bavaria to Catalonia

The presentation details a decades-long effort to reintroduce the Northern Bald Ibis ( Geronticus eremita ) to Europe, focusing on establishing a self-sustaining migratory population between Bavaria and Andalusia, and now extending to Catalonia. The speaker recounts a personal journey beginning as a young biologist studying animal behavior and cognition, evolving into a life-long commitment to saving this species from extinction.

Historical Context and the Species’ Decline

The Northern Bald Ibis, described as a bird of “beauty contests with a radish-naked face” and possessing a distinctive long, curved bill, holds historical and symbolic significance, particularly in Middle Eastern cultures where it was believed to guide pilgrims. However, the species suffered a dramatic decline due to human appetite – being heavily hunted for food – leading to its extinction in Europe by the 17th century. While breeding programs in Morocco saw some success, the natural migratory cycles were disrupted, and the birds faced new threats like collisions with electric power lines. The speaker emphasizes the ibis’s crucial role within the “evolutionary web of life,” highlighting the consequences of its potential loss.

The Led Flight Methodology: A Novel Approach to Migration Training

Recognizing that young ibises learn migratory routes from experienced adults, and lacking such teachers in the captive-bred population, the speaker and colleagues pioneered a “led flight” methodology. Inspired by the true story depicted in the Hollywood film Fly Away Home (where a naturalist trained Canada geese to follow a microlight), they raised ibis chicks and imprinted them on humans wearing yellow clothing for easy identification. The birds were then guided by microlight aircraft, essentially acting as surrogate parents, along the desired migratory route.

This process was fraught with challenges. Initial attempts involved numerous “emergency landings into cornfields” and even “attacks in the air with the microlight,” resulting in bird fatalities. Through persistent experimentation and refinement, the team gradually improved the technique, accumulating “hundreds of flight kilometers” and ultimately achieving successful led flights. The initial goal was to establish a breeding population that would follow the established route naturally.

Successes and Setbacks: Establishing a Migratory Population

After years of effort, the project achieved a significant milestone: a population of nearly 300 birds, large enough to potentially survive independently after 400 years of absence. However, this success was threatened by the unfolding impacts of climate change. Warmer winters caused delays in the birds’ migration, leading to them missing crucial thermal updrafts needed to cross the Alps. Many birds were unable to reach their breeding grounds, resulting in significant losses.

Adapting to Climate Change: The Bavaria-Andalusia-Catalonia Route

The team adapted by focusing on a route from Bavaria to Andalusia, chosen for its avoidance of major mountain ranges (a 2700 km journey). In 2023-24, 68 juvenile birds were successfully led to Andalusia. However, in the following year, the birds unexpectedly refused to follow the microlight, necessitating a shift in strategy. The birds were transported in boxes to an airfield and then transferred via external measures, a method that unfortunately resulted in collapses and failures. This prompted a re-evaluation of established methods.

Currently, the project is expanding, with a dedicated Catalan team working to establish a new colony in Catalonia, demonstrating a commitment to collaborative conservation.

The Importance of Collaboration and Emotional Commitment

The speaker stresses that the project is not solely about the birds, but also about the “Science [and] deep emotional commitment” that drives it. The collaborative spirit, particularly with the Catalan team, is crucial for long-term success. The speaker believes that “togethering irreversible ever can arise in world fear,” and that passion, courage, and love for life are essential for overcoming challenges.

Key Quotes and Philosophical Reflections

“Hope is not just a feeling. Hope is a vision of a better future and the will to make it real.” – The speaker concludes with this powerful statement, emphasizing the proactive nature of hope and the importance of dedicated action.

The speaker also reflects on the ibis as a “silent messenger,” recalling its historical role and lamenting its near disappearance. The phrase “Never hope her voice fallen silent her spirites on” encapsulates the emotional weight of the conservation effort.

Data and Statistics

• 1300 km: Initial journey distance from Bavaria to Catalonia.
• 2700 km: Length of the Bavaria-Andalusia migratory route.
• 68: Number of juvenile birds successfully led to Andalusia in 2023-24.
• ~300: Peak population size achieved, representing a significant recovery.
• 17th Century: Approximate time of the Northern Bald Ibis’s extinction in Europe.

Conclusion

The project represents a remarkable example of dedicated conservation, innovative methodology, and adaptive management. While facing ongoing challenges, particularly those posed by climate change, the reintroduction of the Northern Bald Ibis to Europe demonstrates the power of human intervention, scientific collaboration, and unwavering hope in the face of extinction. The project’s evolution – from led flight to adapting to climate-induced behavioral changes – underscores the need for flexibility and continuous learning in conservation efforts. The ultimate goal remains the establishment of a self-sustaining migratory population, ensuring the survival of this magnificent bird for generations to come.