Malagasy sacred ibis

The Malagasy sacred ibis was formerly considered a subspecies of the African sacred ibis. It is now however classified as a separate species from the African sacred ibis due to considerable differences observed in the former's ecology and morphology. It is hypothesized that the Malagasy sacred ibis evolved from the African sacred ibis when the latter supposedly spread to and colonized Madagascar from mainland Africa. ==Description==

The adult stands tall, The plumage is predominantly white, often with brownish-yellow staining. There are also black ornamental plumes on the back with a blue or green gloss formed from the lower scapulars and tertials, which are most prominent in the breeding season. Unlike the African sacred ibis, there is also little or no black on the wing tips and duller display plumes from the innermost secondaries. Both the bernieri and abbotti race have a light blue or white iris, both of which differ markedly from the brown iris of the African sacred ibis. The abbotti race also has a black wing stripe. Although this ibis is unlikely to be confused with other species in the field, it may sometimes be mistaken for the African sacred ibis which may occasionally visit Madagascar as a vagrant. The juvenile appears similar to the adult, but the head and neck are feathered black with white streaks, the ornamental plumes on the back are absent, and there may be some black on the wing tips. It is generally non-vocal, but the voice is probably similar to that of the African Sacred Ibis. ==Distribution and habitat==

Apart from its occurrence on Aldabra, the Malagasy sacred ibis is sparsely distributed along and restricted to the west coast of Madagascar, In one survey, over 80% of individuals recorded were found within of the coastline. Its habitat is situated above sea level. This species is considered more ecologically restricted than its mainland African counterpart (Threskiornis aethiopicus), which is found in a wider range of habitats at a wider range of altitudes. ==Ecology==

Feeding The Malagasy sacred ibis feeds on crustaceans, diverse invertebrates, vegetable refuse It forages mainly on mud in tidal areas, This ibis nests colonially, sometimes with mixed heron species such as the Humblot's heron or egret species such as cattle egret and dimorphic egret. Because nesting individuals are apparently fearless of humans, this species is an easy target for hunters. This ibis may further be in competition for food with egret species such as the dimorphic egret. Because this ibis has historically been widely considered conspecific with the African sacred ibis, no early separate conservation measures have been proposed for the former. Coastal sites are generally poorly protected in western Madagascar, although new wetland conservation initiatives now include the species as a conservation target. On the Seychelles, the Aldabra atoll has been designated a Special Reserve. ==In culture and relationship to humans==

This species has been popularly hunted and its eggs harvested for food by local villagers, and young nestlings have even been raised to serve as food for seasonal events. ==Status==

The Madagascan population size has been estimated at 1200–2500 individuals, and the population of the abbotti race on Aldabra has been estimated at 300–750 individuals, with a total estimated population of 2,600–3,250 individuals. Its estimated global range is . The species' global population is estimated to have declined by 50 – 70% over the last 32 years, most of which has probably occurred in recent decades. The Malagasy sacred ibis has therefore been classified as Endangered by the IUCN and is generally considered rare throughout its range. Historical accounts suggest that it was once more common. ==References==