By Claire Thompson, Fri, 21/03/2014 - 10:14
HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco recently visited Souss Massa National Park, Morocco, home to the largest remaining wild population of Northern Bald Ibis.
Accompanied by representatives from SEO/BirdLife (BirdLife in Spain), GREPOM (BirdLife in Morocco), and key staff from the National Park, the Prince visited the cliffs where the colonies of this Critically Endangered species currently breed. The Prince saw first-hand the success of the project and project staff were able to thank the prince for his foundation’s support for the project over the past 4 years.
“I am delighted to support BirdLife’s conservation efforts for this iconic and Critically Endangered species, and am honoured to be their Species Champion,” said the Prince.
Last year the colonies in Souss-Massa National Park and nearby Tamri had their second most successful breeding season since records began. The colonies at Souss Massa National Park fledged 148 young, bringing the total population at the end of the breeding season to 443 birds.
HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco between Mr. Mohammed El Bekkay, director of SMNP (left) and Mohamed Dakki, President of GREPOM (right) |
During this visit, the Foundation expressed their ongoing commitment to supporting the project, with a particular interest in supporting the development of ecotourism in this remote region surrounding Agadir.
BirdLife International, SEO and GREPOM would like to once again thank the Prince Albert II Monaco Foundation for their ongoing generous support for this important project.
Originally published at BirdLife site
Further reading at FPA2 site