In recent events concerning the Northern Bald Ibis, Parco Natura Viva has reported the tragic loss of eight individuals during the latest autumn migration due to poaching. Among the most emblematic cases is that of Puck, an ibis born in the wild in 2021, who was shot while in the Apennines. The hunter, possessing a valid license, attempted to conceal the animal’s body after shooting it. This situation highlights a serious issue that also involves part of the hunting community and underscores the urgent need to drastically reduce incidents of poaching to ensure the species’ survival.
Parco Natura Viva, the only Italian partner in the LIFE Northern Bald Ibis project, aims to establish a self-sustaining population of 260 ibises by 2028. Currently, there are approximately 160 Northern Bald Ibises in Italy, but losses due to poaching account for one-third of the challenges faced by this project, co-funded by the European Union. Scientific director Johannes Fritz emphasizes that the success of the reintroduction will depend on the ability to protect these vulnerable animals from illegal acts like the one suffered by Puck.
