The Associació d’Amics dels Aiguamolls de l’Empordà and Patrimoni Natural (AAPNE) and Fundació Alive are organising specialised training aimed at anyone interested in volunteering on the northern bald ibis conservation project. The event will take place on Sunday 19 April from 9 am to 12 pm, and will be followed by a guided tour of the facilities where the project is being carried out.
This initiative is part of efforts to ensure the welfare and proper rearing of hermit ibis chicks during their most delicate stage: the first weeks of life. At this initial stage, the specimens require constant, precise and highly careful attention, which makes it essential to have a well-trained and committed team of volunteers.
TRAINING CONTENT
The training will provide the necessary theoretical knowledge to intervene appropriately in the chick-rearing process. Among the tasks to be undertaken is manual feeding, a technique that requires dexterity, sensitivity and rigour to ensure that each specimen receives the appropriate amount of food according to its weight and developmental stage. Participants will learn how to properly prepare specific diets tailored to the nutritional needs of the species at this life stage.
Another fundamental aspect to be addressed is tube feeding, a delicate procedure that ensures the chicks maintain optimal hydration levels, especially in situations where they are not yet able to feed themselves. The technical staff will explain step by step how this procedure is carried out safely, always prioritising animal welfare. This procedure is carried out by the project staff, while the volunteers provide support.
Cleaning and maintaining the nests also form part of the basic volunteer duties. Maintaining a hygienic and controlled environment is essential to prevent disease and ensure the healthy development of chicks. During the session, the protocols for disinfection, safe handling and space organisation, as well as the biosecurity measures that must be strictly followed, will be detailed.
In addition to the theoretical content, the training will include an introduction to the endangered ibis conservation project, placing the ecological importance of the species and the efforts being made to bolster its population in context. The organising bodies will explain the short- and long-term objectives, as well as the key role that volunteering plays in the success of the programme. Furthermore, the Centre de Fauna will review the most common impacts that can bring a bird such as the ibis to its facilities. They will also explain the centre’s most common admissions and their daily tasks in rescuing the territory’s wildlife.
The subsequent tour of the facilities will allow attendees to see first-hand the breeding areas, the food preparation areas and the systems for monitoring and tracking the specimens. This direct experience will facilitate a better understanding of the tasks and reinforce commitment to the project.
Finally, to obtain the training certificate, you will need to pass a short online test, which will be provided once the session has finished. This assessment will allow the knowledge acquired to be consolidated and ensure that all volunteers have the basic competencies necessary to carry out their assigned tasks within the project correctly.
REGISTRATIONS
The day is designed for both people with previous experience in the wildlife sector and those wishing to get started in environmental volunteering. The main objective is to create a team that is committed, responsible and aware of the significance of every action at such a sensitive stage in the chicks’ development.
With this training, AAPNE and the Fundació Alive reaffirm their commitment to citizen participation as a fundamental tool in the conservation of threatened species. The Projecte Ibis Ermità needs committed, well-trained hands capable of responsibly undertaking tasks that, although they may seem simple, are crucial to the survival of the individuals.
Those interested in taking part in this experience will have the opportunity not only to acquire technical knowledge, but also to contribute actively to the preservation of an emblematic species. The training on 19 April will undoubtedly be a gateway to an enriching, educational and essential endeavour for the future of the northern bald ibis.
Places are limited. AAPNE members will have priority for registration.
