Answer to a written question - Presence of alien ibis in Europe and their ecological impact: Threskiornis melanocephalus and Threskiornis aethiopicus - E-001770/2025(ASW)
1. The Commission is aware of the presence and dynamics of the African sacred ibis in Europe. Because of its environmental impact, this species was prioritised and added to the list of invasive alien species (IAS) of Union Concern in 2016[1]. In some countries like France, the Netherlands and Spain, management has led to a decrease in its population size in the past years.
In principle, there is no established population of the Black-headed ibis (Threskiornis melanocephalus) in the wild in the EU. Records in the EU are scarce. This species is classified as ‘Least Concern’ by the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List, and while it faces localised threats, its numbers are increasing in much of its native range.
2. Regulation EU 1143/2014[2] provides the framework for coordination and management of invasive alien species in the EU.
3. The list of alien species managed and monitored at European level is updated regularly[3]. It contains several bird species. The Commission’s proposal for the next update of the Union list will be submitted to the IAS Committee for examination and delivery of opinion in 2025.
Last updated: 18 June 2025
