Florida County Seeks Federal Help to Eradicate Non-Native Sacred Ibis

Photo: Christiaan Kooyman/Wikipedia

Everglades’ researchers and park officials fear that, if left unchecked, the Sacred Ibis could pose an eventual threat to breeding colonies of native wading birds and their eggs in southern Florida. Palm Beach County officials have called on the federal government to assist with the eradication of this large, non-native wading species that occurs in and around county landfills and in Everglades National Park.

Sacred Ibis are native to sub-Saharan Africa but have recently been seen in Everglades National Park. In France, where the ibis has become an accepted and established exotic species, there have been documented cases of the ibis preying on the eggs and chicks of native wading birds. While officials are quick to point out that such activity has not yet been documented in Florida, they intend to address any potential problem before it gets out of control.

Some local activists have spoken out against the planned eradication, saying the birds have done no harm, and suggesting that the eradication of the species in Florida is unnecessary. However, Audubon of Florida agrees with the approach taken by the County, and has spoken in favor of the planned removal of the birds, suggesting that failure to address the issue at this early stage could result in the devastation of the indigenous wading bird population in the region.