The Syrian population of northern bald ibises is teetering on the edge of oblivion. In fact, the whole species is Critically Endangered - one step away from extinction. In 2002, the Syrian population stood at seven birds. But despite extensive protection in Syria, numbers are down to three.
But the efforts continue - the Turkish Government has donated ibises to join the Syrian colony, two of which were released in 2010. In 2011, four more juveniles were released, this time directly from Birecik, and following earlier trials, we will learn where they go, and if they can survive, when and whether they return to the colony site. Perhaps they will visit the Syrian colony?
You can follow their progress on this map.
We've already found out that the adult ibises travel to Ethiopia for the winter, but we're not totally sure where the youngsters go. A team of biologists is also attempting to find the birds on the ground, to record details of their habitat and make sure that no illegal hunting takes place.
Hunting and other pressures away from the breeding grounds seems to have been the cause of decline. So satellite tracking the birds is a vital tool for learning how to help the northern bald ibis - the only other wild population is 100 pairs in Morocco.
This international operation couldn't happen without with conservationists, governments, researchers, funders and individuals all working together.