Wildlife

Ibis and Stork Welfare in Wetlands

Ibis and stork populations that depend on wetland habitats face welfare threats from drainage and pollution reducing their food supply.

Key Facts

White storks have declined over 50% in Western Europe in 50 years
Glossy ibis and spoonbill populations are recovering following conservation measures
Wetland drainage eliminates the invertebrate prey these species depend on
Supplementary feeding programs have supported stork recovery in some countries

Welfare Considerations

Ibis and storks with insufficient wetland foraging habitat experience food insecurity during breeding when chick-rearing demands are highest. Chick starvation causes slow death from progressive weakness. Adults flying long distances to find sufficient food experience nutritional stress. Wetland restoration restores foraging habitat and prey abundance, directly improving welfare for resident and migratory individuals.

What You Can Do

Support wetland conservation and restoration organizations
Advocate for wetland protection in agricultural and development planning
Donate to stork and ibis conservation programs
Participate in wetland bird monitoring to support population assessment