Glossy Ibis Welfare: Wetland Expansion and UK Colonisation

Glossy ibises are expanding their European range northward and have begun breeding in the UK, with conservation management of wetlands critical to their welfare.

Key Facts

Glossy ibises began breeding in the UK for the first time at Avalon Marshes, Somerset in 2014
The European population has recovered strongly following habitat protection in southern Europe
They require shallow wetlands with dense emergent vegetation for colonial nesting
Disturbing glossy ibis colonies during breeding causes nest failure and chick mortality
Climate warming has enabled northward range expansion across western Europe

Welfare Considerations

Glossy ibises at newly established UK breeding sites are particularly vulnerable to disturbance as small, novel colonies cannot absorb the same per-nest disturbance pressure as large established colonies. Nest abandonment following disturbance at early-stage colonies can eliminate an entire UK breeding season's productivity. Wetland management maintaining appropriate water levels, and predator management at breeding sites, directly improves welfare outcomes for this newly established breeding species.

What You Can Do

Support RSPB Avalon Marshes and similar wetland reserves protecting glossy ibis breeding sites
Maintain appropriate observation distances from glossy ibis colonies during breeding season
Report glossy ibis breeding attempts to county bird recorders and the BTO
Donate to organisations managing Somerset Levels and other key wetland sites
Participate in waterbird surveys contributing to ibis population monitoring