Reproduction Success in the Birecik Northern Bald Ibis (Geronticus eremita)

Abstract

This study investigates the population of Birecik Northern Bald Ibis during their reproduction period in 2012 (February-July). Northern Bald Ibis (Geronticus eremita) is considered a species that could soon become extinct; 152 individuals (July 2012) are in Birecik (Turkey) as semi-wild. Birecik Northern Bald Ibis reproduces freely in their habitat of Firat riverside, in March-July. They are nourished from both feed and natural sources in this period. They start the reproduction activities in March. Copulations take place not only before and during the incubation period, but also after the chickens leave the nest. The copulations turn into an activity that has different functions. The couples carry out the incubation together. They build their nests in wood rather than rocky places. Although they prefer mass reproduction, there is also separate nesting (9%) and they incubate in wooden nests rather than in rocky places (91%). The incubation activity was carried out in 26 nests during the reproduction period in 2012. The incubation was successful in 22 nests and unsuccessful in 4 nests. Although the numbers of chickens change between 1 and 3, the nests with 2 chickens predominate (76%). Forty-five chickens hatched and three chickens were lost within the first week. It is required to make some improvements in the voliyer and nutrients in Birecik. Support efforts are required for the egg and chickens during the reproduction period for the survival of the species. The number of Northern Bald Ibis can reach into hundreds with improvements to be made

Keywords

• Northern Bald Ibis, reproduction, incubation, copulations, number of chickens