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Ibis saved from extinction

June 17, 2012

Billionaire business tycoon Richard Branson says he will reintroduce the Scarlet Ibis to the British Virgin Islands after successfully breeding the near-extinct bird.

https://p.dw.com/p/15GrB
A Scarlet Ibis searches for food in a stream
Image: AP

The Virgin Group boss, private owner of the island where the a flame red-colored bird was born, blogged Sunday that an ibis had recently hatched on his island in British Caribbean territory.

"It's the first Scarlet Ibis born in the British Virgin Islands for over 100 years," said Branson.

Branson created an exclusive resort on Necker Island, where he was responsible for successfully reintroducing an endangered flamingo species.

Branson said he "hopes the protected Scarlet Ibis will be as successful as the flamingos so the UK territory can enjoy the beauty of these birds."

The entrepreneur is involved in introducing Lemurs on a nearby underdeveloped island, a move criticized by ecologists who say the non-native species could potentially disrupt the natural balance of the Moskito Island.

jlw/tm (AP, dpa)