مرکز منطقه ای اطلاع رساني علوم و فناوري - Reproduction success of Northern Bald Ibises (Geronticus eremita) in Turkey

Abstract :

Birecik Northern Bald Ibises (Geronticus eremita) are different than the Northern Bald Ibis inMorocco morphologically, genetically and in terms of behaviors. They only live in Şanlıurfa – Birecikin Anatolia. They are considered to be extinct in nature. They are attempted to be preserved in cages for long years. (1977) In the beginning of reproductive period they are released to nature. They perform their reproduction naturally outdoors. They are taken into cages at the end of reproductive period. No studies have been performed related with the reproduction of Birecik Northern Bald Ibises for long years. In this study, the gap in terms of reproduction field was tried to be filled. 1-2 days long research per week was conducted in reproductive period. In the beginning of March 2013, 152 bald ibis birds were released to nature. The couples which paired in the cages preserved their nests starting from their first days in nature. Incubation realized in 34 nests out of existing 42. In the beginning the number of number of nestlings per nest was (60/29=) 2,06. Three nestlings were observed in 9 nests. 2 nestlings were observed in 13 nests. The number of flying nestlings per nest was (38/29=) 1,31. The status of being unsuccessful in rock nest or wooden nest in bald ibis breeding station changed in a statistically significant way according to the observation frequencies in nest types. (Chi-Square=10,211; p=0,006). At the end of June 2013, number of counted northern bald ibis nestlings was 165. 34 of these were nestlings of year 2013. Six bald ibis birds were released for immigration (with GPS attached). Number of Northern Bald Ibises in the cages was 159. At the end of 2013 reproductive period, the Northern Bald Ibis number increase in the cages was only seven.