Bald Ibis Geronticus eremita population in Turkey: An evaluation of the captive breeding project for reintroduction

Abstract

This paper reports on captive and wild populations of the bald ibis Geronticus eremita in Birecik, Turkey. Captive breeding and reintroduction, aimed at increasing the wild population, are evaluated. Low breeding success in captivity, failure of reintroduced birds to join the wild population in migration, and losses during migration and in the winter appear as major factors preventing an increase in this population. Probable causes of these three factors are discussed.