In a remarkable development for conservation, the Reed Cormorant (Microcarbo africanus) has successfully bred in Egypt for the first time in more than a century, wildlife experts have confirmed.
The rare sighting was documented along the Nile Delta, where a small colony of the waterbirds established nests and raised chicks marking a significant milestone for Egypt’s avian biodiversity.
According to the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency, the event highlights the effectiveness of ongoing habitat restoration projects along the river system. “This breeding record is not just a scientific breakthrough but a testament to the resilience of nature when given a chance,” the agency said in a statement.
Once widespread across Africa, the Reed Cormorant’s breeding presence in Egypt vanished in the early 20th century, largely due to habitat loss and human disturbance. Conservationists believe its return is linked to improved wetland protection measures and shifting climate conditions that have made Egypt’s ecosystems more hospitable.
Birdwatchers and ornithologists have hailed the sighting as a “historic comeback,” underscoring Egypt’s role as a key migratory corridor for bird species between Europe, Asia, and Africa.
Experts are urging authorities to sustain protective measures to ensure the Reed Cormorant’s breeding success is not a one-time occurrence but the beginning of a permanent revival in the region.
