Research projects of the Ornithology Section

The Northern Bald Ibis or Waldrapp (Geronticus eremita): Since the 17th century, this species is extinct in Europe (hunting and taking out the nestlings). Today only two relict populations are left: two colonies in Morocco (ca. 500 birds) and the last migrating population in Syria (3 birds).

In cooperation with the project Waldrappteam (www.waldrapp.eu), the scientific topics are the methodology of reintroduction, the social and migratory behaviour and the genetics of this species.

Publications:

Unsöld M, Melzer RR (2010) Sunning behaviour in ibises (Threskiornithidae) Observations on four species at Tierpark Hellabrunn, Munich. Zool. Garten (N.F.) 79: 89-104.

Unsöld M, Fritz J (2011): Der Waldrapp - ein Vogel zwischen Ausrottung und Wiederkehr. Wildbiologie 1/62, Wildtier Schweiz, Zürich, 16 S.

Fritz J, Unsöld M (2011): Artenschutz und Forschung für einen historischen Schweizer Vogel: der Waldrapp im Aufwind. Wildbiologie 5/17, Wildtier Schweiz, Zürich, 16 S.