The entry of the Islamic State (IS) into the Syrian city of Palmyra has not only raised concerns about its rich historical-artistic legacy: it can also seriously affect its natural heritage.
Experts, in particular, fear for the tiny colony of hermit ibis ( Geronticus eremita ) that survived in the population. Last week, three captive specimens were abandoned by their keepers when jihadist troops arrived.
In addition, the Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon has offered a reward of $ 1,000 to anyone who reports the only free specimen (the female Zenobia) that spends the winter in Ethiopia and returns in the spring to the surroundings of Palmyra. Without it, captive birds cannot learn the migration route , and the last colony of hermit ibis in Syria would inevitably go down in history.
The species was long believed to be extinct in the region, but in 2002 seven specimens were identified. Ten years later, only four remained, despite conservation efforts. Now, the future Geronticus hermit in Syria is very uncertain.
