The northern bald ibis is close to extinction after Isis’ takeover of Syrian city Palmyra last week. A tiny breeding colony of the rare bird was based close to Palmyra, but the keepers fled to escape the fierce fighting that took place in and around the city, and the fate of the birds is unknown. Only one of the birds, named Zenobia, knows the migration route to the wintering grounds in Ethiopia, and without her showing others it is feared the species will become extinct. A $1000 dollar reward has been offered for anyone that can locate her. Read more: bbc.co.uk