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{{Short description|Species of bird}}
<!-- This article was auto-generated by [[User:Polbot]]. -->
{{Speciesbox
{{Taxobox
| name = Madagascar Sacred Ibis
| name = Malagasy sacred ibis
| image = BerniersIbisLyd.jpg
| image = Ibis sacré de Madagascar.JPG
| status = EN | status_system = IUCN3.1
| status = EN
| status_system = IUCN3.1
| status_ref = <ref name="iucn status 16 November 2021">{{cite iucn |author=BirdLife International |date=2016 |title=''Threskiornis bernieri'' |volume=2016 |page=e.T22731855A95038024 |doi=10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T22731855A95038024.en |access-date=16 November 2021}}</ref>
| regnum = [[Animalia]]
⚫
| taxon = Threskiornis bernieri
| phylum = [[Chordata]]
⚫
| authority = ([[Charles Lucien Bonaparte|Bonaparte]], 1855)
| classis = [[Bird|Aves]]
⚫
| synonyms =
| ordo = [[Pelecaniformes]]
}}
⚫
| familia = [[Threskiornithidae]]
| genus = ''[[Threskiornis]]''
| species = '''''T. bernieri'''''
⚫
| binomial = ''Threskiornis bernieri''
⚫
| binomial_authority = ([[Charles Lucien Bonaparte|Bonaparte]], 1855)
⚫
| synonyms = }}


The '''Madagascar Sacred Ibis''' ('''''Threskiornis bernieri''''') is a species of [[bird]] in the [[Threskiornithidae]] family. It is found in [[Madagascar]] and [[Seychelles]].
The '''Malagasy sacred ibis''' ('''''Threskiornis bernieri''''') is a relatively large, heavily built [[ibis]] endemic to the west coast of [[Madagascar]], and [[Aldabra]] on the [[Seychelles]].


==Taxonomy and systematics==
Its natural [[habitat]]s are subtropical or tropical mangrove [[forest]]s, [[estuarine]] waters, intertidal flats, and coastal saline [[lagoon]]s. It is threatened by [[habitat loss]].
The Malagasy sacred ibis was formerly considered a subspecies of the [[African sacred ibis]].<ref name ="Holyoak">Holyoak D. 1970. Comments on the classification of the Old World ibises. Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club 90: 67-73.</ref><ref name = "Hancock">Hancock JA, Kushlan JA, Kahl MP. 1992. Storks, Ibises and Spoonbills of the World. Academic Press.</ref> It is now however classified as a separate species from the African sacred ibis due to considerable differences observed in the former’s ecology and morphology.<ref>Roselaar CS. 1977. Sacred Ibis – geographical variation. In: Cramp S, Simmons KEL (eds). The Birds of the Western Palearctic. Vol. 1. Pp 351. Oxford University Press, Oxford.</ref><ref name = "AD">Andrianarimisa A, Razafimanjato G. 2010. Madagascar sacred ibis Threskiornis bernieri: current population distribution, and implications for conservation. Pp. 120-130. In: Harebottle DM, Craig AJFK, Anderson MD, Rakotomana H, Muchai M.Proceedings of the 12th Pan-African Ornithological Congress, 2008. Cape Town, Animal Demography Unit. ({{ISBN|978-0-7992-2361-3}}).</ref> It is hypothesized that the Malagasy sacred ibis evolved from the African sacred ibis when the latter supposedly spread to and colonized Madagascar from mainland Africa.<ref name = "Holyoak"/>

There are two different subspecies of the Malagasy sacred ibis: ''Threskiornis bernieri bernieri'' (Bonaparte, 1855) on Madagascar, and ''T.b. abbotti'' (Ridgway, 1893) on Aldabra in the Seychelles.<ref name = "DelHoyo">Del Hoyo JA, Elliott A, Sagatal J. 1992. Handbook of the Birds of the World . Vol.1 (eds). Barcelona, Lynx Edicions.</ref>

==Description==
The adult stands 65–89&nbsp;cm tall,<ref name="iucn status 16 November 2021" /> with a wingspan of 112–124&nbsp;cm.<ref name = "Morris">Morris P, Hawkins F.1998. Birds of Madagascar: a photographic guide. Yale University Press.</ref> The plumage is predominantly white, often with brownish-yellow staining. There are also black ornamental plumes on the back with a blue or green gloss formed from the lower scapulars and tertials, which are most prominent in the breeding season.<ref name = "Morris"/> The bill, head, neck and legs are black.

This ibis is morphologically similar to the African sacred ibis, but is slightly smaller,<ref name = "Hancock"/> more slender-billed, lacks the black trailing edge to the wings, has bluish-slate tertials (purplish-slate in the African sacred ibis), differently structured ornamental neck sacs, less developed ornamental plumes and a different display.<ref name = "DelHoyo"/><ref name = "Hancock"/><ref name = "AD"/><ref>Salford RJ, Hawkins AFA. 2013. The Birds of Africa. Vol. 8: The Malagasy Region. Christopher Helm, London.</ref> Unlike the African sacred ibis, there is also little or no black on the wing tips and duller display plumes from the innermost secondaries.<ref name = "Holyoak"/>

Both the ''bernieri'' and ''abbotti'' race have a light blue or white iris, both of which differ markedly from the brown iris of the African sacred ibis.<ref name = "Hancock"/> The ''abbotti'' race also has a black wing stripe.<ref name = "Hancock"/> Although this ibis is unlikely to be confused with other species in the field, it may sometimes be mistaken for the African sacred ibis which may occasionally visit Madagascar as a vagrant.<ref name = "Morris"/>

The juvenile appears similar to the adult, but the head and neck are feathered black with white streaks, the ornamental plumes on the back are absent, and there may be some black on the wing tips.<ref name = "Morris"/>

It is generally non-vocal, but the voice is probably similar to that of the African Sacred Ibis.<ref name = "DelHoyo"/>

==Distribution and habitat==
Apart from its occurrence on Aldabra, the Malagasy sacred ibis is sparsely distributed along and restricted to the west coast of Madagascar,<ref name = "AD"/> especially between Port-Berge and Moromoe.<ref name = "Hancock"/> Although uncommon, some high densities of resident breeding populations have been observed in mangroves and estuaries near Soalala and Sahamalaza Bay and Baie de Baly; the region encompassed between these locations appears to be a species’ stronghold.<ref name = "AD"/>

The Malagasy sacred ibis is generally restricted to coastal mudflats, estuaries, mangrove swamps and shallow brackish coastal lakes; but is occasionally found on freshwater wetlands.<ref name = "Morris"/><ref name="iucn status 16 November 2021" /> It preferentially frequents wide, open pools without surrounding vegetation; as well as sand bars and sandy beaches for general resting places.<ref name = "Rand">Rand AL. 1936. The distribution and habits of Madagascar birds. Summary of the field notes of the Mission Zoologique Franco-Anglo-Américaine à Madagascar. Bulletin of the American Museum of Natural History 72: 143-499.</ref> In one survey, over 80% of individuals recorded were found within 2&nbsp;km of the coastline.<ref name = "AD"/> Its habitat is situated 0-150m above sea level.<ref name = "Morris"/><ref name="iucn status 16 November 2021" /> This species is considered more ecologically restricted than its mainland African counterpart, which is found in a wider range of habitats at a wider range of altitudes.<ref name="iucn status 16 November 2021" />

==Ecology==
===Feeding===
The Malagasy sacred ibis feeds on crustaceans, diverse invertebrates, vegetable refuse<ref name = "Morris"/> and more occasionally takes frogs, reptiles and young birds.<ref>Langrand O. 1990. Guide to the birds of Madagascar. Yale University Press, New Haven and London.</ref> It forages mainly on mud in tidal areas,<ref name = "AD"/> thrusting its bill into the mud up to the eyes.<ref name = "Rand"/> The ''abbotti'' race on the Seychelles feeds in coral pools and along lagoon shores (King, 1981 in Hancock). Feeding is often solitary, although some individuals have been observed foraging in pairs or threes.<ref name = "AD"/>

===Breeding===
Egg-laying occurs at the beginning of the wet season in November and December.<ref name = "Rand"/><ref name = "DelHoyo"/> The clutch size is usually 2 eggs.<ref name = "DelHoyo"/> Average egg measurements for ''T.a. abbotti'' have been reported as 59.5mm long and 41.3mm broad and weighing 55g.<ref>Schönwetter M. 1967. Handbuch der Oologie (W. Meise, ed) Band I. Akademie – Verlag, Berlin.</ref>

This ibis nests colonially, sometimes with mixed heron species such as the [[Humblot's heron ]]<ref>Razafindrajao F. 2015. Waterbird survey of Loza, North West of Madagascar. Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust Programme Madagascar.</ref> or egret species such as [[cattle egret]] and [[dimorphic egret]].<ref name = "AD"/> The nest lies 2-3m above the surface of the water in forks of ''[[Avicennia]]'' and ''[[Rhizophora]]'' trees and largely comprises twigs, some of which are still living with leaves attached.<ref name = "Rand"/> The nest is structurally sturdy and measures 450-500mm across and 250mm deep.<ref name = "Rand"/> Other nests have been reported to be smaller, measuring approximately 250mm across.<ref name = "AD"/>

===Threats and survival===
The Madagascan population has been markedly declining mainly through unsustainable harvesting of eggs, nest site disturbance and wetland habitat degradation.<ref name = "DelHoyo"/> Human interference and habitat loss also pose threats to the ''abbotti'' race.<ref>Byers O, Brouwer K, Coulter M, Seal US. 1995. Stork, Ibis and Spoonbill Conservation Assignment Management Plan: Working Document. IUCN/SSC Conservation Breeding Specialist Group: Apple Valley, MN.</ref> Because nesting individuals are apparently fearless of humans, this species is an easy target for hunters.<ref name = "AD"/> Habitat loss and degradation pose another serious threat to the population. Important areas of this species’ habitat are threatened with pollution, sedimentation and encroachment of alluvial sands. Such sedimentation is caused by soil erosion from slash and burn cultivation (Birdlife International, 2013). Its mangrove habitat is also threatened with destruction for charcoal production.<ref>Perschke, M. 2006. Voronosy: une association pour la sauvegarde de l'ibis sacré de Madagascar dans le
Baie de Bombetoka. CEPA Magazine: 13-16.</ref> This ibis may further be in competition for food with egret species such as the dimorphic egret.<ref name="iucn status 16 November 2021" />

Because this ibis has historically been widely considered conspecific with the African sacred ibis, no early separate conservation measures have been proposed for the former.<ref name = "AD"/> Coastal sites are generally poorly protected in western Madagascar, although new [[wetland conservation]] initiatives now include the species as a conservation target.<ref name="iucn status 16 November 2021" /> On the Seychelles, the Aldabra atoll has been designated a Special Reserve.<ref name="iucn status 16 November 2021" />

==In culture and relationship to humans==
This species has been popularly hunted and its eggs harvested for food by local villagers, and young nestlings have even been raised to serve as food for seasonal events.<ref name = "AD"/> This ibis is easily captured because of its passiveness and incautiousness when feeding and nesting.<ref name = "AD"/>

Two Malagasy sacred ibis individuals were once received by London Zoo from the Societe d’Acclimatation, Paris, in 1870.<ref>Brouwer K, Schifter H, Jones ML. 1994. Longevity and breeding records of ibises and spoonbills in captivity. International Zoo Yearbook 33: 94-102.</ref>

==Status==
The Madagascan population size has been estimated at 1500-2000 mature individuals,<ref name = "DelHoyo"/><ref name = "AD"/> and the population of the ''abbotti'' race on Aldabra has been estimated at 300-750 individuals, with a total estimated population of 2300-3250 individuals.<ref name="iucn status 16 November 2021" /> Its estimated global range is 25500 km2.<ref name = "DelHoyo"/> The species global’ population is estimated to have declined by over 20% over the last 16 years, most of which has probably occurred in recent decades.<ref name="iucn status 16 November 2021" /> The Malagasy sacred ibis has therefore been classified as Endangered by the IUCN and is generally considered rare throughout its range.<ref name="iucn status 16 November 2021" /> Historical accounts suggest that it was once commoner.<ref name = "Rand"/>


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist}}
* BirdLife International 2006. [http://www.iucnredlist.org/search/details.php/54328/all Threskiornis bernieri]. [http://www.iucnredlist.org 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. ] Downloaded on 24 July 2007.


==External links==
==External links==
⚫
*{{Commons category-inline|Threskiornis bernieri}}
*{{Wikispecies-inline|Threskiornis bernieri}}
*[http://www.birdlife.org/datazone/search/species_search.html?action=SpcHTMDetails.asp&sid=31501&m=0 BirdLife Species Factsheet.]
*[http://www.birdlife.org/datazone/search/species_search.html?action=SpcHTMDetails.asp&sid=31501&m=0 BirdLife Species Factsheet.]


{{Birds}}
{{Ciconiiformes-stub}}
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{{Threskiornithidae}}
⚫
[[Category:Threskiornis]]
{{Portal bar|Birds|Animals|Biology|Madagascar}}
{{Taxonbar|from=Q368761}}


[[es:Threskiornis bernieri]]
[[Category:Threskiornis]]
[[Category:Birds described in 1855]]
[[hu:Madagaszkári íbisz]]
⚫
[[Category:Ibises]]
⚫
[[pt:Threskiornis bernieri]]
[[Category:Taxa named by Charles Lucien Bonaparte]]
[[tr:Madagaskar kutsal aynağı]]
[[Category:Taxonomy articles created by Polbot]]

Latest revision as of 18:12, 14 November 2023

Malagasy sacred ibis
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Pelecaniformes
Family: Threskiornithidae
Genus: Threskiornis
Species:
T. bernieri
Binomial name
Threskiornis bernieri
(Bonaparte, 1855)

The Malagasy sacred ibis (Threskiornis bernieri) is a relatively large, heavily built ibis endemic to the west coast of Madagascar, and Aldabra on the Seychelles.

Taxonomy and systematics

[edit]

The Malagasy sacred ibis was formerly considered a subspecies of the African sacred ibis.[2][3] It is now however classified as a separate species from the African sacred ibis due to considerable differences observed in the former’s ecology and morphology.[4][5] It is hypothesized that the Malagasy sacred ibis evolved from the African sacred ibis when the latter supposedly spread to and colonized Madagascar from mainland Africa.[2]

There are two different subspecies of the Malagasy sacred ibis: Threskiornis bernieri bernieri (Bonaparte, 1855) on Madagascar, and T.b. abbotti (Ridgway, 1893) on Aldabra in the Seychelles.[6]

Description

[edit]

The adult stands 65–89 cm tall,[1] with a wingspan of 112–124 cm.[7] The plumage is predominantly white, often with brownish-yellow staining. There are also black ornamental plumes on the back with a blue or green gloss formed from the lower scapulars and tertials, which are most prominent in the breeding season.[7] The bill, head, neck and legs are black.

This ibis is morphologically similar to the African sacred ibis, but is slightly smaller,[3] more slender-billed, lacks the black trailing edge to the wings, has bluish-slate tertials (purplish-slate in the African sacred ibis), differently structured ornamental neck sacs, less developed ornamental plumes and a different display.[6][3][5][8] Unlike the African sacred ibis, there is also little or no black on the wing tips and duller display plumes from the innermost secondaries.[2]

Both the bernieri and abbotti race have a light blue or white iris, both of which differ markedly from the brown iris of the African sacred ibis.[3] The abbotti race also has a black wing stripe.[3] Although this ibis is unlikely to be confused with other species in the field, it may sometimes be mistaken for the African sacred ibis which may occasionally visit Madagascar as a vagrant.[7]

The juvenile appears similar to the adult, but the head and neck are feathered black with white streaks, the ornamental plumes on the back are absent, and there may be some black on the wing tips.[7]

It is generally non-vocal, but the voice is probably similar to that of the African Sacred Ibis.[6]

Distribution and habitat

[edit]

Apart from its occurrence on Aldabra, the Malagasy sacred ibis is sparsely distributed along and restricted to the west coast of Madagascar,[5] especially between Port-Berge and Moromoe.[3] Although uncommon, some high densities of resident breeding populations have been observed in mangroves and estuaries near Soalala and Sahamalaza Bay and Baie de Baly; the region encompassed between these locations appears to be a species’ stronghold.[5]

The Malagasy sacred ibis is generally restricted to coastal mudflats, estuaries, mangrove swamps and shallow brackish coastal lakes; but is occasionally found on freshwater wetlands.[7][1] It preferentially frequents wide, open pools without surrounding vegetation; as well as sand bars and sandy beaches for general resting places.[9] In one survey, over 80% of individuals recorded were found within 2 km of the coastline.[5] Its habitat is situated 0-150m above sea level.[7][1] This species is considered more ecologically restricted than its mainland African counterpart, which is found in a wider range of habitats at a wider range of altitudes.[1]

Ecology

[edit]

Feeding

[edit]

The Malagasy sacred ibis feeds on crustaceans, diverse invertebrates, vegetable refuse[7] and more occasionally takes frogs, reptiles and young birds.[10] It forages mainly on mud in tidal areas,[5] thrusting its bill into the mud up to the eyes.[9] The abbotti race on the Seychelles feeds in coral pools and along lagoon shores (King, 1981 in Hancock). Feeding is often solitary, although some individuals have been observed foraging in pairs or threes.[5]

Breeding

[edit]

Egg-laying occurs at the beginning of the wet season in November and December.[9][6] The clutch size is usually 2 eggs.[6] Average egg measurements for T.a. abbotti have been reported as 59.5mm long and 41.3mm broad and weighing 55g.[11]

This ibis nests colonially, sometimes with mixed heron species such as the Humblot's heron [12] or egret species such as cattle egret and dimorphic egret.[5] The nest lies 2-3m above the surface of the water in forks of Avicennia and Rhizophora trees and largely comprises twigs, some of which are still living with leaves attached.[9] The nest is structurally sturdy and measures 450-500mm across and 250mm deep.[9] Other nests have been reported to be smaller, measuring approximately 250mm across.[5]

Threats and survival

[edit]

The Madagascan population has been markedly declining mainly through unsustainable harvesting of eggs, nest site disturbance and wetland habitat degradation.[6] Human interference and habitat loss also pose threats to the abbotti race.[13] Because nesting individuals are apparently fearless of humans, this species is an easy target for hunters.[5] Habitat loss and degradation pose another serious threat to the population. Important areas of this species’ habitat are threatened with pollution, sedimentation and encroachment of alluvial sands. Such sedimentation is caused by soil erosion from slash and burn cultivation (Birdlife International, 2013). Its mangrove habitat is also threatened with destruction for charcoal production.[14] This ibis may further be in competition for food with egret species such as the dimorphic egret.[1]

Because this ibis has historically been widely considered conspecific with the African sacred ibis, no early separate conservation measures have been proposed for the former.[5] Coastal sites are generally poorly protected in western Madagascar, although new wetland conservation initiatives now include the species as a conservation target.[1] On the Seychelles, the Aldabra atoll has been designated a Special Reserve.[1]

In culture and relationship to humans

[edit]

This species has been popularly hunted and its eggs harvested for food by local villagers, and young nestlings have even been raised to serve as food for seasonal events.[5] This ibis is easily captured because of its passiveness and incautiousness when feeding and nesting.[5]

Two Malagasy sacred ibis individuals were once received by London Zoo from the Societe d’Acclimatation, Paris, in 1870.[15]

Status

[edit]

The Madagascan population size has been estimated at 1500-2000 mature individuals,[6][5] and the population of the abbotti race on Aldabra has been estimated at 300-750 individuals, with a total estimated population of 2300-3250 individuals.[1] Its estimated global range is 25500 km2.[6] The species global’ population is estimated to have declined by over 20% over the last 16 years, most of which has probably occurred in recent decades.[1] The Malagasy sacred ibis has therefore been classified as Endangered by the IUCN and is generally considered rare throughout its range.[1] Historical accounts suggest that it was once commoner.[9]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k BirdLife International (2016). "Threskiornis bernieri". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2016: e.T22731855A95038024. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T22731855A95038024.en. Retrieved 16 November 2021.
  2. ^ a b c Holyoak D. 1970. Comments on the classification of the Old World ibises. Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club 90: 67-73.
  3. ^ a b c d e f Hancock JA, Kushlan JA, Kahl MP. 1992. Storks, Ibises and Spoonbills of the World. Academic Press.
  4. ^ Roselaar CS. 1977. Sacred Ibis – geographical variation. In: Cramp S, Simmons KEL (eds). The Birds of the Western Palearctic. Vol. 1. Pp 351. Oxford University Press, Oxford.
  5. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n Andrianarimisa A, Razafimanjato G. 2010. Madagascar sacred ibis Threskiornis bernieri: current population distribution, and implications for conservation. Pp. 120-130. In: Harebottle DM, Craig AJFK, Anderson MD, Rakotomana H, Muchai M.Proceedings of the 12th Pan-African Ornithological Congress, 2008. Cape Town, Animal Demography Unit. (ISBN 978-0-7992-2361-3).
  6. ^ a b c d e f g h Del Hoyo JA, Elliott A, Sagatal J. 1992. Handbook of the Birds of the World . Vol.1 (eds). Barcelona, Lynx Edicions.
  7. ^ a b c d e f g Morris P, Hawkins F.1998. Birds of Madagascar: a photographic guide. Yale University Press.
  8. ^ Salford RJ, Hawkins AFA. 2013. The Birds of Africa. Vol. 8: The Malagasy Region. Christopher Helm, London.
  9. ^ a b c d e f Rand AL. 1936. The distribution and habits of Madagascar birds. Summary of the field notes of the Mission Zoologique Franco-Anglo-Américaine à Madagascar. Bulletin of the American Museum of Natural History 72: 143-499.
  10. ^ Langrand O. 1990. Guide to the birds of Madagascar. Yale University Press, New Haven and London.
  11. ^ Schönwetter M. 1967. Handbuch der Oologie (W. Meise, ed) Band I. Akademie – Verlag, Berlin.
  12. ^ Razafindrajao F. 2015. Waterbird survey of Loza, North West of Madagascar. Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust Programme Madagascar.
  13. ^ Byers O, Brouwer K, Coulter M, Seal US. 1995. Stork, Ibis and Spoonbill Conservation Assignment Management Plan: Working Document. IUCN/SSC Conservation Breeding Specialist Group: Apple Valley, MN.
  14. ^ Perschke, M. 2006. Voronosy: une association pour la sauvegarde de l'ibis sacré de Madagascar dans le Baie de Bombetoka. CEPA Magazine: 13-16.
  15. ^ Brouwer K, Schifter H, Jones ML. 1994. Longevity and breeding records of ibises and spoonbills in captivity. International Zoo Yearbook 33: 94-102.
[edit]
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