Rare and endangered bald ibis bird spotted in Croatia – plea to the public

Northern bald ibis

A rare female northern bald ibis has been spotted in Croatia. The Biom Association in Croatia has said on Monday that a female northern bald ibis (Geronticus eremita) named Gipsy has been spotted in the area of the Neretva River Valley.

“After flying away from the island of Brač, Gipsy stayed on the island of Hvar for only a short time. From Hvar, she continued south all the way to Slano, not far from Dubrovnik,” Biom Association said, before adding.

“However, after that, she changed her mind and flew to the Neretva river delta. We contacted the Public Institution of Dubrovnik-Neretva County, which manages protected natural values in that area, and the County Hunting Association and hunting societies from that area to ensure the continuation of the safe stay of the female bald ibis Gipsy in Croatia.”

The Biom Association are asking everyone who goes to observe her not to approach her.

“Since Gipsy is not shy, we ask everyone who goes to observe her not to approach her or disturb her when she might decide to spend the night at your house.”

The bird arrived in Croatia at the end of December. 

This rare bird can be tracked via the Animal Tracker app, where photos and sighting information can be entered. The northern bald ibis is an extinct species in Croatia and Europe and is almost extinct in the world.

However, small colonies have been maintained in Morocco and Turkey, and reintroduction projects to European breeding grounds are being carried out with individuals from captivity.

The reasons for the species’ long-term decline are unclear, but hunting, loss of foraging habitat, and pesticide poisoning have been implicated in the rapid loss of colonies in recent decades.

You can send any sightings of Gipsy to: [email protected]