For centuries, the northern bald ibis was missing from Europe's skies, its migratory population wiped out in Central Europe by the 17th century. Bringing it back required more than releasing captive-bred birds into the Alps: conservationists first had to teach them where to go. The Waldrappteam found an ingenious solution, training young ibises to follow a microlight aircraft south towards their wintering grounds in Italy. The experiment began producing remarkable results. In 2007, the birds completed their first successful flight over the Alps behind the aircraft, and by 2011 they were returning without human guidance. Years later, Europe had its first self-sustaining colony in 400 years.
Get breaking news anytime, anywhere. Download the TOI app now!
