Common Name: Sao Tome Ibis
Scientific Name: Bostrychia bocagei

Distribution: Endemic to the island of São Tomé, in the Gulf of Guinea

Biology: Being the smallest species of Ibis in the world, the Sao Tome Ibis is hard to locate in the tropical and humid lowland forest that it calls home. The species forages for invertebrates, especially snails and worms, on the sparsely covered ground often in close proximity to water. The Sao Tome Ibis is a monogamous species, and can often be seen in pairs, or occasionally in family groups. Like other endemic species of Sao Tome the species is quite tame, and will observe any bypasses with interest, often from a horizontal and moss-covered branch.

IUCN Conservation Status: Critically Endangered

With only approximately 250 individuals left in the world and a very small geographic distribution the Sao Tome Ibis is one of the rarest representatives of the Ibis family. The main threat, besides habitat destruction and fragmentation, is the ongoing poaching by local hunters. Despite protection, the species is still targeted, and because of its size and tameness it is a favoured quarry for Saotomean hunters. Because of its preference for lowland forest, the habitat in which the species can be found is also quite accessible for hunters, easily making the species fall victim to such illegal activities. Despite campaigns seeking to inform local communities of the species status, birds are still taken worryingly frequently and tightening and reinforcement of the law, along with protection of favoured habitat is necessary to ensure the future of the species.