Layman's Report Englisch Version

Der Vogel
Reason For Hope
Reintroduction of the Northern Bald Ibis
LIFE+12 BIO/AT/000143 LIFE Northern Bald Ibis
Layman’s Report

Der Vogel
Hardfacts
Project Location
Austria, Germany and Italy
Duration 01/01/2014 – 31/12/2019
Total budget € 4.364.376,00
EU contribution
€ 2.179.759,00 (50% of eligible costs)
Coordinating Beneficiary Förderverein Waldrappteam (Austria; ZVR 017715608)
Associated Beneficiaries
Alpenzoo Innsbruck-Tyrol (Austria)
City Burghausen (Germany)
Konrad Lorenz Forschungsstelle - Core
Facility of the University of Vienna (Austria)
Land Salzburg (Austria)
Parco Natura Viva Garda Zoological Park s.r.l. (Italy)
Tiergarten Schönbrunn (Austria)
Tierpark Rosegg (Austria)
Project Manager
Contact
e-mail
website
Johannes Fritz
Schulgasse 28, 6162 Mutters, Austria
info@waldrapp.eu
www.waldrapp.eu
With 50% contribution of the LIFE financial instrument of the European Union
(LIFE+12-BIO_AT_000143, LIFE Northern Bald Ibis)

Table of Contents
Mission & Objectives 1
The Northern Bald Ibis 2
Breeding Sites 3 - 4
Wintering Site 5 - 6
Hand-raising and Imprinting 7 - 8
Human-led Migration 9 - 10
GPS-Tracking 11 - 12
The Threat of Illegal Hunting 13 - 14
The Threat of Electrocution 15 - 16
Conservation Achievements 17 - 18
Socio-Economic Achievements 19 - 20
Scientific Achievements 21 - 22
Future Perspective 23 - 24

Der Mission Vogel & Objectives
Project Objectives
The main objective of the LIFE+ Biodiversity project (2014 to 2019) was to
reintroduce a migratory population of the critically endangered Northern
Bald Ibis in Europe. The young population is structured into four breeding
colonies with a common wintering area.
It is the first ever attempt to reintroduce a continentally extinct migratory
species, requiring new and innovative conservation and translocation methods.
Various efficient measures to combat the major mortality causes were
developed and implemented. Thus creating unique conditions for
accompanying research, which in return helps optimizing the conservation
methods.
We live in the age of the sixth mass extinction in earth‘s history,
caused by humans. It is a great responsibility, but also a great
privilege and worth every effort to protect at least one of the many
endangered species from extinction, the charismatic Northern
Bald Ibis. The LIFE + project brought us much closer to this goal.
– Johannes Fritz, General Project Manager and pilot
61

Der The Vogel Charismatic Hermit
Geronticus Project objectives eremita
The species is not a hermit at all, as implied by the systematic name. It is rather
highly The Northern social and Bald as a migratory Ibis Geronticus species eremita always is on a the migratory move. bird, which was
native in Central Europe until the 17th century before it became extinct due
The Northern Bald Ibis was originally distributed around the Mediterranean,
to the impact of human pressure. Today it is one of the most endangered
with wintering sites along the African east and west coast. In the Middle Ages,
bird species in the world.
the European colonies went extinct, western and eastern populations became
separated. Today, only one wild population is remaining in Morocco. However,
The Northern Bald Ibis used to be a migratory bird that used to leave his
there are numerous zoo breeding colonies, coordinated by breeding programs.
breeding area in autumn to overwinter in suitable habitats. This was true
In Turkey, bald ibis are kept in free flight and in Spain a non-migratory colony
especially for those populations that used to live in the Prealps.
is reintroduced.
Although Northern Bald Ibises can cope with low winter temperatures it
The has birds to migrate search for south. food The on Northern meadows, Bald pastures, Ibis mainly steppes feeds and on even larvae deserts. and
They earthworms, use their long-curved which they dig bill out to poke of the for ground. worms Since and larvae. the soil Occasionally is frozen in
they winter, also feed it can’t on find beetles, enough mice, food lizards and or has even to migrate tadpoles. south.
The function of the bare head is still unclear, but it is being presumed to serve
as The a social main signal. objective What is we the know reintroduction for sure, is of that these it is charismatic not related to animal foraging to ensure
their as survival is often the in their case specific in other lifeform bald headed as a migratory bird species. bird
in
carcasses, species.
Chrpp, chrpppp, chrppppp!
– Salvatore, 4 yrs old Northern Bald Ibis
Genus Geronticus
Family Threskiornithidae
2018 downgraded from critically endangered to endangered
Colonial breeder in cliff niches, 3-4 eggs per nest
28 days incubation, 40 days to fledging
Sexual maturity with 3 years, maximum age up to 30 years
72

Breeding Sites
In Central Europe, the last record of the Northern Bald Ibis dates back about
400 years. The evidence consists of reports and illustrations by the Swiss
naturalist Conrad Gessner and others, ordinances, court rulings and even
recipes. The historic breeding area mainly covered the northern foothills of
the Alps, but also parts south of the Alps. The birds used to breed mainly
in cliff niches but also in ruins and castles. As the highly social species they
are, they prefer breeding in colonies. Our current population consists of four
breeding colonies located within the range of the historic area.
The Breeding Sites Burghausen in Bavaria and Kuchl in Salzburg, were the
first to be established, followed by Überlingen in Baden-Württemberg and
Rosegg in Carinthia.
Überlingen
52 individuals
2017 start-up for a migratory colony
sandstone cliff along Lake Constance near the city of Überlingen
about 40 natural nest sites plus an artificial cliff with 14 nest sites
estimated carrying capacity of 190 individuals
first breeding expected for 2020
Rosegg
15 juveniles
2018 start-up for a migratory colony
small zoo in Carinthia with a sedentary zoo colony of ~55 individuals
3

Der Vogel
Burghausen
39 individuals
artificial niches at the defence wall of the historic castle in Burghausen
24 nest sites plus further nest sites at other parts of the castle
estimated carrying capacity of 200 individuals
66 fledged juveniles during the LIFE+ project
Kuchl
34 individuals
conglomerate cliff in the Salzach valley 30 km south of the city of Salzburg
about 40 natural nest sites plus an artificial cliff with about 12 nest sites
estimated carrying capacity of 190 individuals
61 fledged juveniles during the LIFE+ project
4

Wintering Der Vogel Site
During a feasibility study from 2002-2013,
southern Tuscany proved to be a suitable and
sustainable wintering site for the European
migratory population. An aviary and further
facilities were established. Management takes
place in collaboration with WWF Oasi Italy.
According to historic records, the former European
population was always known to be migratory,
but the records offer no clue as to where it
wintered.
A mysterious and holy migrant
Every spring the Turkish city Birecik celebrates a “Kelaynac-Festival” in honour
of the Northern Bald Ibis, called Kelaynak, because it was believed, that with their
migration flight in autumn they lead pilgrims to Mecca. In ancient Egypt the
bird was even regarded as an intermediary between the afterlife and the living,
represented by the hieroglyph “Akh”.
10 5

Überlingen
DE
Burghausen
Kuchl
AT
Breeding Sites
CH
Rosegg
Migration
corridor
IT
WWF Oasi Laguna di Orbetello:
important Italian wintering area
for many European bird species
further conservation areas in the surrounding
common wintering site for all breeding colonies
Wintering Site
WWF Oasi
Laguna
di Orbetello
6

Hand-raising and Imprinting
The tight social bond
Project Hand-raising objectives
is one of the most demanding activities in the project.
Two foster-parents raise groups of up to 33 chicks, divided into nests of 3 to 4 chicks.
Detailed protocols define feeding, care and social interaction to ensure physically
and cognitively well developed birds for release.
Our foster parents raise their chicks without masks or feeding dummies, but with a lot
of social involvement and interaction. This avoids social deprivation of the chicks and
ensures a tight social bond between foster parent and bird, necessary for later flight
training. This social bond ensures a close relationship with the foster parents also after
release, while the birds keep their distance from all other people.
I will never forget those unique and breath-taking experiences
with the birds. It makes me so proud that they are now showing
their own offspring the way to the south.
– Anne-Gabriela Schmalstieg, Foster mother
12 7

179 chicks taken from zoos and hand-raised during the LIFE+ project
167 of these chicks came from zoo Rosegg in Carinthia
hand-raising starts 2-8 days after hatching
two foster parents stay with the chicks for 6 months, seven days a week
8

Der Human-led Vogel Migration
Translocation methods
Project objectives
The tremendous and rapid loss of biodiversity
requires innovative translocation methods to
The save Northern species Bald from Ibis the Geronticus brink of extinction. eremita is a
migratory Currently bird, we which are was the native only project in Central worldwide Europe
practising until the 17th and developing century before the human-led it became extinction,
due to which the impact is so far of the human only pressure. method to Today establish
migra-
it is new one of migration the most endangered traditions in bird migratory species in bird
the world. species.
Running a successful reintroduction project
The also Northern requires Bald a Ibis series used of to further be a migratory translocation
bird methods. that used For to leave example, his breeding the transfer area of in nestlings autumn
to overwinter in suitable habitats. This was
true especially for those populations that used to
live in the Prealps.
and parent birds from artificial breeding sites to
natural cliff niches to induce the colonization of
Although natural Northern sites, as done Bald at Ibises the breeding can cope site with Kuchl.
low It winter is our temperatures aim to further it has develop to migrate these south. methods,
The making Northern them Bald available Ibis mainly for an increasing feeds on range larvae
other and earthworms, conservation which needs. they dig out of the
of
ground. Since the soil is frozen in winter, it can’t
find enough food and has to migrate south.
„ ”
I do like birds too, actually!
– Jane Goodall
The main objective is the reintroduction Flying with the of these
charismatic animal to ensure animals their where survival everyone in knows each other‘s preferences
birds is a tight interplay of humans and
their specific lifeform as a migratory and idiosyncrasies bird species. and acts accordingly.
– Walter Holzmüller, pilot
14 9

Der Vogel
6 human-led migrations during the LIFE+ project
with 162 birds in total
Project objectives
active flight speed 46 km/h
flight altitude up to 2.950 m MSL
The Northern Bald Ibis Geronticus eremita is a migratory mean bird, migration which distance was 853 km, divided into 4 to 7 flight stages
native in Central Europe until the 17th century before daily it became flight extinct stage up due to 301 km
to the impact of human pressure. Today it is one of the most endangered
bird species in the world.
Number stages / birds
The Northern Bald Ibis used to be a migratory bird that used to leave his
breeding area in autumn to overwinter in suitable habitats. This was true
especially for those populations 35 that used to live in the Prealps.
Although Northern Bald Ibises can cope with low winter temperatures it
has to migrate south. The 30 Northern Bald Ibis mainly feeds on larvae and
earthworms, which they dig out of the ground. Since the soil is frozen in
winter, it can’t find enough food and has to migrate south.
25
The main objective is the reintroduction of these charismatic animal to ensure
their survival in their 20 specific lifeform as a migratory bird species.
15
LIFE+
birds at start
During the
LIFE+ project,
we could significantly
improve
the human-led
migration
in terms of
efficiency and
economics, with
more birds and
less flight stages
per season.
10
5
0
flight stages
2009 2010 2011 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
15 10

GPS-Tracking
Movement in space
Project objectives
During the migration, our birds fly up to 360 km per day, covering an area of about
200.000 km², from Central Italy to Southern Germany. New GPS-tracking technologies
enable a permanent remote monitoring of the birds, allowing us to optimize the
The Northern Bald Ibis Geronticus eremita is a Although Northern Bald Ibises can cope with
management of the population and to take targeted measures against major
migratory bird, which was native in Central Europe
until the 17th century before it became ex-
The Northern Bald Ibis mainly feeds on lar-
low winter temperatures it has to migrate south.
mortality causes.
tinct There due to is the hardly impact any of other human bird pressure. population Today in the world vae and in earthworms, which all individuals which they are dig out of the
it is tracked. one of the We most are gaining endangered a huge bird dataset, species which in allows ground. deep insight Since into the the soil migratory is frozen behaviour
of the species and provides exceptional opportunities find enough for food basic and research, has to which migrate south.
in winter, it can’t
the world.
is especially interesting in the light of climate change.
The Northern Bald Ibis used to be a migratory
bird that used to leave his breeding area in autumn
to overwinter in suitable habitats. This was
true especially for those populations that used to
live in the Prealps.
The main objective is the reintroduction of these
charismatic animal to ensure their survival in
their specific lifeform as a migratory bird species.
„ ”
I do like birds too, actually!
– Jane Goodall
305 birds tagged during the LIFE+ project
4.1 MIO position data received
48% battery powered and 52% solar powered devices
device weight from 20 to 42 grams,
equalling 1.8 to 3.3 % of the birds’ body weight
16 11

Der Vogel
The free App
Animal Tracker
allows the public
to follow the
movements of
our birds, among
97 other species
worldwide.
17 12

The Der Vogel Threat of Illegal Hunting
Fight against environmental crime
Illegal hunting is a one driving of the cause driving for the factors loss for of
the biodiversity. worldwide According loss of biodiversity. to BirdLife International,
According to
BirdLife every year International, 36 million birds 36 million are killed birds illegally are illegally while
killed migrating every in year, the Mediterranean while migrating region, in the with Medi- Italy
terranean as a hot spot. region, with Italy turning up as a hot spot.
These estimates correspond to our data. During the
feasibility study (2002-2012) illegal hunting caused
65% of the losses in Italy.
During our LIFE+ project we implemented diverse
campaigns with the support of Italian law enforcement
and hunting associations to fight illegal hunting,
resulting in a reduction of mortality due to illegal
hunting in Italy to 31%.
Low risk crime
Low risk crime
31%
illegal
hunting
20%
predation
Since the start of our project in 2002, we lost about 80 birds to illegal
hunting, but only one offender has been identified so far. Though
Since condemned, the start he of has our appealed project in the 2002, decision. we lost In about 2017, 80 the birds Supreme to illegal hunting, but only
one Court offender confirmed has been the identified condemnation so far. Though and created condemned, an important he has appealed the decision.
In precedent. 2017, the Supreme Court confirmed the condemnation and created an important
precedent. Despite all efforts, illegal hunting still is a low-risk crime. This needs
Despite to be changed. all efforts, In cooperation illegal hunting with international still is a low-risk experts, crime. we aim This for needs to be changed.
In devices cooperation that instantly with international send an alarm experts, in case of we a poaching aim for devices accident. that instantly send an
alarm in case of a poaching accident.
20%
electrocution
29%
injury
or illness
In Italy, the
major threat
to our birds is
illegal hunting
during the
autumn
migration
(31%).
18 13

Der Vogel
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
65%
Illegal Hunting Campain
LIFE Northern Bald Ibis 2014-2019
31%
Our diverse
campaign enabled
by the LIFE+
project resulted
in halving the
proportion of
losses due to
illegal hunting.
This is a major
achievement
of our LIFE+
project.
10%
0%
2003 - 2013 LIFE+ 2014 - 2019
19 14

The Threat of Electrocution
An underrated threat to biodiversity
Our project clearly indicates that electrocution is an underrated
and unknown threat to large size birds, like the Northern Bald
Ibis, which use pylons as exposed roosting sites.
Retrofitting power lines with insulators has proven to be an
effective measure. After the retrofitting of all pylons in Germany
due to a legal regulation, we had no more losses there.
Originally electrocution was not in the focus of our LIFE+ project,
but budget reallocation allowed us to take measures, in
collaboration with network providers.
Particularly risky pylons were insulated at main feeding sites in
Hochburg-Ach (Upper Austria), and Kuchl (Salzburg). In future
we aim for further retrofitting measures.
illegal
hunting
3%
33%
injury
or illness
45%
electrocution
In Austria, the
major threat
to our birds is
electrocution
(45%).
19%
predation
20 15

Der Vogel
35 birds lost to electrocution during LIFE+ project
Collaboration with Land Salzburg and network provider
About € 15.000 invested by Land Salzburg
28 high risk power poles insulated in Austria
In autumn 2018,
a group of
Northern Bald
Ibises roosting
on this mediumvoltage
pylon in
Upper Austria
caused a short
circuit or grounding,
leading to
the death of 5
birds.
21 16

Conservation Achievements
Population growth
We started the LIFE+ project with a population of 23 individuals and
ended it with 140 individuals, six times the start-up population and
18% more than the targeted number of 119 individuals.
At the start of the LIFE+ project, we had an annual mortality rate
of 48% in our population, which could be lowered to 34% in 2019.
Besides our management, the decline in the mortality rate is
particularly due to our measures against illegal bird hunting and
electrocution.
Genetics
In collaboration with Trier University and many zoos, 642
individuals from our release and the zoo population were tested
to obtain information on their genetic diversity. According to the
results, the European zoo population appears to be vital and suitable
for reintroduction. Our release population is well structured, but will
be further optimized by genetic reinforcement, based on the outcome
of the study.
Downgrade on the IUCN Red List
Since 1994 the Northern Bald Ibis was listed as critically endangered
in the IUCN Red List. After 24 years, in August 2018, the species was
downgraded to endangered.
This was mainly due to intensive conservation efforts securing the
breeding sites in Morocco, even allowing the birds to expand to
other sites nearby. But also the successful reintroduction in Europe
and the conservation of a semi-wild populationin Turkey contributed
to this decision.
Migration and reproduction
During the LIFE+ project, the number of adult spring
migrants increased 2.7 times to 30 migrants in 2019.
The number of fledged chicks in the two breeding
sites Burghausen and Kuchl increased 6.1 times to 37
fledglings in 2019, with 2.85 fledglings per nest.
17

Der Vogel
Project objectives
The Northern Bald Ibis Geronticus eremita is a migratory bird, which was
native in Central Europe until the 17th century before it became extinct due
to the impact of human pressure. Today it is one of the most endangered
bird species in the world.
The Northern Bald Ibis used to be a migratory bird that used to leave his
breeding area in autumn to overwinter in suitable habitats. This was true
especially for those populations Individuals that used to live in the Prealps.
Although Northern 160 Bald Ibises can cope with low winter temperatures it
has to migrate south. The Northern Bald Ibis mainly feeds on larvae and
earthworms, which 140 they dig out of the ground. Since the soil is frozen in
winter, it can’t find enough food and has to migrate south.
120
The main objective is the reintroduction of these charismatic animal to ensure
their survival in 100 their specific lifeform as a migratory bird species.
80
population size
In the last year
of the project,
we even surpassed
our set goal
of 119 individuals.
The current
migratory population
consists
of 140 birds.
60
40
mortality
20
0
2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
18

Socio-Economic Achievements
Report on socio-economic impact
The LIFE+ project also proved to be successful considering socio-economic
benefits. According to the evaluation by an expert team, numerous
stakeholders took advantage of the LIFE+ project. The authors highlight the
Northern Bald Ibis project as an exemplary case for future LIFE projects in
terms of how conservation projects deliver multiple benefits.
Ecotourism
The feeding and breeding sites of Northern Bald Ibises have over time
become true tourist magnets.
Experts valued the breeding site related eco-tourism in Burghausen and
Kuchl combined with the educational role and the extensive media
presence, with at least € 0.5 MIO during the LIFE+ project (2014-2019).
Locals started to refer to the Northern Bald Ibis as part of their local
pride, indicating that it becomes part of the local cultural value.
19

Der Vogel
Project objectives
The Northern Bald Ibis Geronticus eremita is a migratory bird, which was
native in Central Europe until the 17th century before it became extinct due
to the impact of human pressure. Today it is one of the most endangered
bird species in the world.
Media relation
The Northern Bald Ibis used to be a migratory bird that used to leave his
During the LIFE+ project more than 50 TV-productions and
breeding area in autumn to overwinter in suitable habitats. This was true
over 500 written articles were published about the project.
especially for those populations that used to live in the Prealps.
This way our methods and new scientific insight became
Although Northern Bald Ibises can cope with low winter temperatures it
accessible to millions of people worldwide in no time, which
has to migrate south. The Northern Bald Ibis mainly feeds on larvae and
isn’t only a great gain in awareness on the topic, but also
earthworms, which they dig out of the ground. Since the soil is frozen in
enables education in terms of preventing further loss of
winter, it can’t find enough food and has to migrate south.
biodiversity and addressing climate change related issues.
The main objective is the reintroduction of these charismatic animal to ensure
their survival in their specific lifeform as a migratory bird species.
A lively, successful and unique project
realized by an incredibly motivated team.
– Ecosystem Evaluation Team
20

Der Scientific Vogel Achievements
Unique possibilities for research
Reintroducing the Northern Bald Ibis helped us to understand the migratory
lifestyle and the efforts involved. The human-led migration offers exceptional
Project objectives
possibilities for researchers worldwide to answer scientific questions
The
concerning
Northern Bald
migratory
Ibis Geronticus
behaviour,
eremita
metabolism
is a
and
Although
V-formation
Northern
flight, among
Bald Ibises can cope with
migratory
many other
bird,
topics.
which was native in Central Europe
until the 17th century before it became ex-
The Northern Bald Ibis mainly feeds on lar-
low winter temperatures it has to migrate south.
tinct due to the impact of human pressure. Today vae and earthworms, which they dig out of the
it is one of the most endangered bird species in ground. Since the soil is frozen in winter, it can’t
the world.
find enough food and has to migrate south.
Upwash exploitation and downwash avoidance by flap phasing in ibis formation flight.
The Northern Bald Ibis used to be a migratory The main - Portugal objective et al. is the 2014, reintroduction Nature of these
charismatic animal to ensure their survival in
bird that used to leave his breeding area in autumn
to overwinter in suitable habitats. This was their specific lifeform as a migratory bird species.
true especially for those populations that used to
live in the Prealps.
Energy expenditure and metabolic changes of free-flying migrating Northern Bald Ibises.
-Bairlein et al. 2015, PLoS ONE
„ ”
I do like birds too, actually!
– Jane Goodall
Matching times of leading and following suggest cooperation through direct reciprocity
during V-formation flight in ibis.
- Voelkl et al. 2015, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
Costs and Benefits of Formation Flight in Birds.
- ongoing research project, FWF Austrian Science Fund [P 30620-BBL]
26 21

Der Vogel
Relation between travel strategy and social organization of migrating birds with special
consideration of formation flight in the northern bald ibis.
- Voelkl & Fritz 2017, Philosophical Transactions, The Royal Society
The effect of flights on hematologic parameters in Northern Bald Ibises (Geronticus eremita).
- Stanclova et al. 2017, Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine
The cultivable autochthonous microbiota of the critically endangered Northern Bald Ibis.
- Spergser et al. 2018, PLoS ONE
Optimizing the genetic management of reintroduction projects: genetic population structure
of the captive Northern bald ibis population.
- Wirtz et al. 2018, Conservation Genetics
Flight strategies of migrating Northern Bald Ibises: Analysis of GPS data during human-led
migration flights.
- Sperger et al. 2017, AGIT ‒ Journal für Angewandte Geoinformatik
27 22

Future Perspective
There is still a lot to do
Saving the Northern Bald Ibis from the brink of extinction remains
our priority. But we want to go beyond that.
We are currently distinguishing seven translocation methods
which we are planning to further develop and disseminate for other
conservation needs. We will continue and expand the fight against
environmental crime, together with European partners and with the
Project objectives
help of new technologies. Furthermore we will continue the research
to further deepen the understanding of bird flight and bird migration.
The Northern Bald Ibis Geronticus eremita is Although Northern Bald Ibises can cope with
a migratory bird, which was native in Central low winter temperatures it has to migrate south.
Europe until the 17th century before it became The Northern Bald Ibis mainly feeds on larvae
and earthworms, which they dig out of the
extinct due to the impact of human pressure. Today
it is one of the most endangered bird species ground. Since the soil is frozen in winter, it can’t
in the world.
find enough food and has to migrate south.
Today, we could face a world in which thousands of
species go silent. But there is something we can do
today, and it will take all of us working together to
make it possible.
– Jane Goodall, naturalist and UN peace ambassador
The Northern Bald Ibis used to be a migratory The main objective is the reintroduction of these
charismatic animal to ensure their survival in
bird that used to leave his breeding area in autumn
to overwinter in suitable habitats. This was their specific lifeform as a migratory bird species.
Objectives in numbers until 2027
true especially for those populations that used exceeding to the minimum viable population size with at least 353 individuals
live in the Prealps.
establishing a total of 6 breeding colonies north and south of the Alps, with
Tuscany as common
– Jane
wintering
Goodall
site
reducing losses in Italy due to illegal hunting from currently 31% to below 25%
reducing losses in Austria due to electrocution from currently 45% to below 35%
23

Der Vogel
Individuals
800
further release
self sustaining
600
400
200
0
2018 2022 2026 2030
2034
A population viability analysis with
data from 2008 to 2018 indicate that the
European migratory Northern Bald Ibis
population still requires management
and release. At least 314 individuals are
needed to exceed the minimum viable
population size towards a self-sustaining
population.The graph shows two simulated
scenarios, with basically the same
outcome.
24

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Photo credits:
Layout and Illustrations :
Corinna Esterer, Johannes Fritz, Anne-Gabriela Schmalstieg,
Daniela Trobe, Markus Unsöld, Bernhard Gönner
Sonja Breiteneder, www.wasserklang.com
With 50% contribution of the LIFE financial instrument of the European Union
(LIFE+12-BIO_AT_000143, LIFE Northern Bald Ibis).
Grovni Stiftung