Species distribution models as a useful tool in conservation programs: the case of the Northern Bald Ibis

The Northern Bald Ibis (Geronticus eremita) is one of the most endangered species on the planet. Its original distribution covered from Syria and Turkey (with migrant populations) to Morocco (where the species was sedentary). Over the last century, the species had suffered an extreme decline in its population size, and is now considered tobecritically endangered. Nowadays, the original distribution range of the species is restricted to the Agadir region in Morocco. In Europe the Northern Bald Ibis was extinct 400 years ago, and the species is only present in Spain and Austria, and this is due to two different conservation projects, i.e.e. the Eremita project and a LIFE+ project, respectivel…