Thai Gas Worker Saves Rare Ibis With Backyard Birdhouses

A small act of conservation by one determined local is bringing a critically endangered bird species back from the brink in suburban Thailand.

The white-shouldered ibis, a vulnerable parrot species, now thrives unexpectedly in Nonthaburi and neighboring Pathum Thani provinces thanks to an unlikely hero. A local gas-strut specialist took it upon himself to install artificial nests around a Buddhist temple, creating safe homes where the rare birds could raise their young.

His grassroots project worked better than anyone expected. What was once a rare sight has become common in these Bangkok suburbs, with growing numbers of white-shouldered ibis now calling the area home.

The specialist's simple solution addressed a critical problem. As urban development replaced old growth forests, the ibis lost the mature trees with natural cavities they need for nesting. His handmade artificial nests gave them a lifeline.

The Ripple Effect

The one-man conservation effort sparked something bigger. Community members rallied around the project, offering support and protection for the birds and their new homes. Local residents now recognize these endangered visitors as part of their neighborhood's identity.

The success story carries an important reminder about urban wildlife. While the ibis population has rebounded in these specific areas, the birds still face serious threats. Escaped pet parrots compete for nesting sites and resources. Developers continue cutting down old trees that could serve as natural nesting spots. Green spaces keep shrinking as suburbs expand.

Conservation groups now point to this project as proof that protecting urban trees and habitat can make a real difference. The solution doesn't require massive government programs or million-dollar budgets. Sometimes it just takes one person with nest boxes and determination, backed by a community that cares.

The white-shouldered ibis story shows what's possible when local action meets species in crisis. From a temple courtyard in Thailand, one gas equipment worker proved that everyday people can create extraordinary conservation wins.