The Endangered Bald Ibis of Souss-Massa National Park

For nature lovers, Morocco holidays that focus on the country's avian species will invariably pay special attention to the endangered Bald Ibis. There are four known breeding colonies of the species in Morocco, three of which are found in the wildlife rich Souss-Massa National Park.

For those intending to visit the park to go birdwatching, understanding a little more about this critically endangered species will make a sighting all the more appreciated.

Souss-Massa National Park

Souss-Massa National Park, which is one of the country's most important wildlife reserves, is spread over an area of 330 square kilometres of ruggedly diverse landscape. Renowned around the world as a superb birdwatching site, the reserve is bursting at the seams with resident and migrant avian species – including the elusive Northern Bald Ibis (Geronticus eremita).

Breeding Colonies

There are around 75 pairs of Geronticus eremita spread over the three coastal cliff colonies of the Souss-Massa National Park, a number that equates to more than half the remaining global population- making the site one of the most significant that can be visited on Morocco holidays dedicated to wildlife watching.

Appearance and Behaviour

Growing to around 80cm tall, the bird has a very distinctive appearance, with shiny black feathers covering its body, but none on its red-coloured face and head – hence its name. It has a long curved red bill and a cluster of wispy feathers on the back of its neck. Despite being part of the ibis family it is not a wader, although it most often makes its home on cliffs or ledges close to water.

Global Dispersion

While the majority of the remaining Northern Bald Ibis are found in the aforementioned breeding colonies in south-west Morocco, there is also still a handful surviving naturally in Syria and parts of Turkey, as well as some that have been released by researchers experimentally in Spain and Austria.

Conservation Status

With fossils dating it back some 1.8 million years the species' former range was originally spread throughout Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. Today, however, this formerly revered symbol of fertility and virtue is classified as 'critically endangered', due to widespread loss of habitat and human intervention through hunting.

To counteract its precarious survival, in recent years several breeding initiatives have been implemented by an organisation called Birdlife Partners, in conjunction with the government of Morocco. The projects in Souss-Massa National Park and nearby Tamri have been a resounding success, with monitored numbers of the breeding population steadily rising over the past several years.

Local pride in the bird has also been reignited following these conservation efforts, and its image is used prolifically in business logos, marketing material and artwork.

A Rare Opportunity

For bird watchers on Morocco holidays who have an interest in rare or endangered avian species, this region provides the opportunity to encounter not just Geronticus eremita, but also the Tawny Eagle, Greater Flamingo and Black-headed Bush Shrike.