Scientific Name

Geronticus eremita

Common Names

Northern Bald Ibis, Hermit Ibis, Waldrapp

Description

Migratory Old World ibis bird, 70–80 cm long, glossy black with an unfeathered red face and a long, curved red bill.

Habitat

Open areas such as grasslands, Rocky Mountains, semi-deserts, often near running water.

Historical Range

Middle East, northern Africa, southern and central Europe. Fossil record dates back 1.8 million years.

Current Population

~700 wild birds in southern Morocco (2019); fewer than 10 in Syria; ~2000 in captivity.

Conservation Programs

Reintroduction efforts in Turkey, Austria, Italy, Spain, and northern Morocco; reduced from Critically Endangered to Endangered on IUCN Red List in 2018.

Plumage

Black with bronze-green and violet iridescence; dull red and unfeathered face and head; long, curved red bill.

Sexual Dimorphism

Males generally larger and have longer bills than females; longer bills help in attracting mates.

Historical Decline

Declined due to hunting, loss of habitat, pesticide poisoning, and dam construction.

Current Threats

Continued pesticide poisoning, disturbance, and habitat loss; listed on Appendix 1 of CITES (prohibits commercial trade).

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. Consider the following statements regarding the Northern Bald Ibis:

1.  It is currently listed as Critically Endangered.

2.  Males have longer bills than females.

3.  It is listed on Appendix 1 of CITES.

Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?

A) 1 and 2 only

B) 2 only

C) 2 and 3 only

D) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: C) 2 and 3 only

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: It has been reduced from Critically Endangered to Endangered on IUCN Red List in 2018.

Statement 2 is correct:  Males generally larger and have longer bills than females

Statement 3 is correct:  It is listed on Appendix 1 of CITES (prohibits commercial trade).