The distinctive northern bald ibis, hunted essentially to extinction by the 17th century, was revived in Europe by breeding and rewilding efforts over the last two decades.
- The birds are known for their distinctive black-and-iridescent green plumage.
- The northern bald ibis once soared over North Africa, the Arabian Peninsula and much of Europe, including southern Germany’s Bavaria.
- The migratory birds were also considered a delicacy, and the bird, known as the Waldrapp in German, disappeared from Europe, though a few colonies elsewhere survived.
- The efforts of Fritz and the Waldrappteam conservation and research group brought the Central European population from zero to almost 300 since the start of their project in 2002.
