Latest news with #ibis
ABC News
4 days ago
- Science
- ABC News
Australia has a love-hate relationship with the ibis. But is the 'bin chicken' underrated?
Whether it's their weirdly bald head, rubbish-eating tendancies, or distinctive aroma, the ibis has become an easy target for scorn. But despite living near landfills and stealing the odd chip, they're not universally disliked. Or, at least, they're not disliked as much anymore. A growing number of people see them as misunderstood, loveable bin scamps that have cleverly adapted to a new, human-centric world. To find the nation's most beloved faunal underdog, ABC Science has just released a list of 10 underrated Australian animals to vote on. Eagle-eyed readers might notice the Australian white ibis — Threskiornis molucca, or the beloved "bin chicken" — is suspiciously absent. Ibis supporters may argue this is an urban-bird hit job. Others may suggest the smelly scavengers are too popular to compete. Because while the ibis is a polarising figure, Australia is spoiled for choice when it comes to underrated animals. There are thousands of contenders that don't get the recognition they deserve. First, it's worth understanding what underrated means. In this competition, we're looking for incredible native Australian critters that are largely unknown or under-appreciated. Dominique Potvin, a bird ecologist at the University of the Sunshine Coast who has spent years researching the Australian white ibis, argues the ibis is not underrated. "They're polarising … whether you love it or hate it, I don't think you can underrate it." Now, Dr Potvin is no ibis hater. She proudly displays her ibis earrings while being interviewed. In fact, the ecologist is partly responsible for the ibis's reputation renovation. Her team's work, which encouraged citizen scientists to use the Big City Birds app to name and follow hundreds of tagged birds, has even made some people warm to the creatures. "They started thinking 'Oh there's my ibis, Jack' or 'Oh my gosh, that one went to Bunnings on a Sunday and got a sausage.' "They would start to get to know them and gained that sense of connection." That's not the case for many other animals, and that can make them more vulnerable to becoming extinct. Some of Australia's highly under-appreciated animals actually live on the skin of the ibis, hidden under its feathers. "I've been part of a paper that described a louse species on ibis," Dr Potvin says. Understanding why humans care more about the ibis than the lice living on them is worth investigating, according to Kate Umbers, a entomologist at the University of Western Sydney. "Some of the most threatened species are the parasites of the species we love. So parasites of giant pandas, parasites of koalas," she says. "There's a real value judgement there around what is important, what deserves to live, and what deserves to go extinct." Dr Umbers is the director of Invertebrates Australia, and is passionate about highlighting the creatures most likely to fly under the radar: insects, molluscs, sponges, and other creatures without a backbone. "For me, the underrated species are the ones that we see every day, that we dismiss as uninteresting." That also means they're easy to overlook. "The estimates are that around two-thirds of the invertebrates in Australia haven't been described, and that equates to probably around 200,000 species," she says. And this lack of knowledge means that species could be going extinct, without anyone ever having known it existed. "Estimates recently suggested 9,000 invertebrates have gone extinct in Australia since colonisation, and that equates to still one to two per week going extinct," she says. "Some of those might have names, but by and large they probably don't." To get a species described and named, scientists need to include comparisons to other species, undertake DNA testing and much more, according to Dr Umbers. "Describing species is a whole science in itself, and it's often quite a lot of work," she said. Even once species have been described and named, that's not the end of the battle according to Meg Shaw, an environmental behaviour researcher at Monash University. Animals such as insects, frogs and reptiles simply are less common in our collective consciousness, which can then mean they get fewer resources to help save them. "With legislation, research funding, social media representation, and film and TV, we see a lot more mammals and birds than anything else," Dr Shaw says. But her recent research into wildlife photos and conservation organisations on social media suggests that reversing this trend might be as simple as selecting a wider variety of animals to highlight. "We found that although social media is swamped by photos of mammals and birds, when you looked at the level of engagement that these images were getting, there wasn't much difference between mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles and invertebrates. "Just sharing more content about these under-represented species so that people recognise that they exist … is really important to get people aware, and then start raising that that level of empathy for them." We'd love to highlight all of Australia's underrated animals but we could only choose 10 for National Science Week. Will something furry like the marsupial mole, or slimy like the short-fin eel win? Does the palm cockatoo rock or is the desert skink the true underdog? Find out about each of the contenders or vote right now: Still can't decide? Listen to our special mini episodes on What the Duck?! The winner will be revealed on 15 August.
Web Release
03-07-2025
- Web Release
SUMMER PLANS SORTED WITH IBIS ONE CENTRAL AND IBIS DUBAI WORLD TRADE CENTRE STAYCATION OFFERS, PROVIDING A COMFORTABLE AND WELL-CONNECTED CITY ESCAPE
This summer, guests can now stay at ibis One Central for AED 119 per night or ibis Dubai World Trade Centre for AED 129 per night, valid from today until 31 August 2025. Residents and visitors can choose from the two distinctive properties—ibis One Central and ibis Dubai World Trade Centre—and enjoy flexible early check-in or late check-out, as well as 30% off food and beverage across all in-house dining outlets at the three Accor properties in Dubai World Trade Centre, including the international all-day dining Entre Nous and Café Cream at Novotel World Trade Centre, pan-Asian restaurant Wok & Co at ibis One Central, and the Mediterranean restaurant Twine at ibis World Trade Centre. Additionally, all guests can enjoy the complimentary daily shuttle to top attractions in Dubai, such as Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, Dubai Outlet Mall, and Kite Beach, and access to the modern swimming pool and kids club of its neighbouring hotel, Novotel World Trade Centre, which is few steps away. Located in the heart of the city, just steps from Dubai's key attractions and events, each hotel offers stylish comfort and unbeatable value. The ibis Dubai World Trade Centre presents a quirky and contemporary, modular-designed room with a view of Dubai's business district. These newly refurbished rooms are adorned in light, earthy tones complemented by rich timber floors. Each room features the renowned ibis Sweet Bed, celebrated for its comfort, softness, and support, ensuring a restful night's sleep. Guests can take advantage of the 30% discount at the Mediterranean restaurant, Twine, for lunch or dinner. Meanwhile, the ibis One Central is the perfect getaway for young travellers and couples seeking an intimate stay and personalised guest service. With themed rooms such as the Panda Room, which aims to raise awareness about the adorable but endangered species, and the Sherlock Room, which welcomes guests with a fun puzzle to solve, the staycation promises relaxation and a fun experience. Guests can also try the pan-Asian restaurant, Wok & Co or grab a drink at the award-winning English Pub, Crown & Lion. Both hotels are conveniently located within a five-minute walk from the Dubai Metro and are near the Museum of the Future, La Mer, the Dubai Frame, and Downtown Dubai. SUMMER STAYCATION WHEN: From now until 31 August 2025 From now until 31 August 2025 OFFER: Discounted room 30% off food and beverage Early check-in or late check-out Complimentary shuttle service to Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, Dubai Outlet Mall, and Kite Beach Access to Novotel World Trade Centre's swimming pool and kids club PRICES: ibis One Central at AED 119 per night + a breakfast upgrade of AED 40 per person or AED 65 per couple ibis Dubai World Trade Centre at AED 129 per night + a breakfast upgrade of AED 40 per person or AED 65 per couple RESERVATIONS: ibis Dubai World Trade Centre: +971 4 332 4444 / [email protected] ibis One Central: +971 4 519 5555 or [email protected] To learn more about the offer at ibis Dubai World Trade Centre, visit To learn more about the offer at ibis One Central, visit For more information about Accor and its brands, visit
Scotsman
19-06-2025
- Sport
- Scotsman
I visited the EURO 2025 hosts and was pleasantly surprised by what I saw
I went on a three-day trip to visit Switzerland ahead of EURO 2025 and was surprised by what I saw. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Forget what you think you know about Switzerland. While its mountains, cheese, and chocolate are legendary, the nation is also an unsung sporting powerhouse. This summer, Switzerland will make history as it hosts Women's Euro 2025. England arrive as defending champions, hoping to replicate their famous victory from three years ago, while Wales make their historic debut at an international tournament. It is a country, rich in history and unique multiculturalism, which will have something for everyone to enjoy. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad It can't be denied that Switzerland is one of the most expensive countries in Europe, but during our tour of the country with the renowned hotel brand ibis, we found that with higher cost, often came higher quality. It is also important to note that those with match tickets can access free public transport for a return journey from any Swiss locality to a stadium, which should offset some of those costs. The stunning streets of Switzerland | Rich Fay The trip started in Geneva, a cosmopolitan city known for its famous Lake and incredible mountains, as well as being the worldwide hub for diplomacy. There is a strong French influence given it is located so close to the border, with French and English both spoken widely, as well as a thriving gastronomical scene that draws inspiration from across the continent. We stayed at the wonderful ibis Styles Genève Carouge, officially a budget hotel, but with the personality of a boutique one. Every property in the ibis Styles range has a unique theme, with this particular branch inspired by comic books, an industry the country has a surprisingly rich history with. Whether you are in your room, the lobby, or the on-site bistro restaurant, you can enjoy excellent service, surrounded by bespoke artwork created by local artists, which makes the hotel so memorable and feel a lot more homely. It was located 10 minutes from the city centre and was easily accessible by a neighbouring tram stop, which ran with all the precision and accuracy you would expect from a country so famous for its timekeeping. It meant transport to the main train station was a simple procedure, which helped when we opted for an afternoon in the stunning city of Lausanne. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The comic book inspired hotel lobby in Geneva | Rich Fay Lausanne sits on the northern tip of the lavish Lake Geneva, surrounded by mountains, forests and even vineyards, with the Swiss wine industry another fantastic, yet surprising, industry the country deserves more credit for. As with Geneva, there is a picturesque old town, with beautiful architecture around every corner, and an iconic gothic cathedral that dramatically rises above the rooftops. As with so many places in Switzerland, it is a wonderful mixture of both the old and the new, with this beautiful city also known as the Olympic Capital, as it is home to the International Olympic Committee headquarters, the Olympic Museum and Olympic Park. The museum is a must visit for anyone who has ever watched a single second of the games, with incredible exhibits and a jaw-dropping collection of memorabilia, such as a running shoe worn by Jesse Owens, a cycling jersey worn by Chris Hoy and an iconic outfit worn by Torvill and Dean. A set of medals from Paris 2024 at the Olympic Museum | Rich Fay Like with any European break, it is highly recommended to get a walking tour of the city. Back in Geneva, we explored the famous waterfront and charming cobbled streets, before we embarked on a train journey across the country to Zurich. Those who arrive for Euro 2025 will find it easy to navigate the country on punctual, clean and modern trains, with plenty of English signage that make it easy to follow. We stayed at the ibis Zurich City West, another affordable hotel in one of the up-and-coming greener districts of the city, that was once again so easily accessible by tram. It is an innovative development, which includes shared facilities with the sister hotel Novotel Zurich City West, meaning pool, sauna and gym access for a small daily fee, the incredible 'The Flave of Zurich' restaurant onsite and there is even access to an escape room that is hidden away in the hotel - perfect for an exciting excursion without even having to leave the premises. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Zurich is the largest city in Switzerland, and it feels distinctly German, so you can swap your 'Merci' for 'Danke'. It is another global hub for banking and finance, yet what was so surprising was just how beautiful it was. With a rich pre-medieval history still visible today, you can get lost in the enchanting lanes of the Old Town, bask in the beauty of the Limmat River or indulge in the luxury shops that adorn almost every street corner. A display from the 2022 World Cup final between Argentina and France | Rich Fay Perhaps the highlight of the trip was the FIFA museum. It houses a treasure trove of historic football memorabilia, featuring engaging interactive exhibits and vibrant displays that commemorate every World Cup tournament. Upstairs, a dedicated section celebrates the evolution of football video games, offering many retro titles to play. The tour concludes with an interactive football workshop where visitors can participate in five different challenges to earn a spot on the leader board. Having built up an appetite, a visit to the renowned Zeughauskeller is highly recommended. Housed within an impressive 15th-century building featuring dark oak beams, this establishment offers rustic, hearty Swiss cuisine alongside an excellent array of local beers and wines. Traditional Swiss sausage and Rosti in Zurich | Rich Fay With a reliable transfer network, hospitable locals and the perfect blend of modern essentials mixed with historic beauty, Switzerland really has all the makings of a perfect host for a major football tournament. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad As any sports fan knows, the only thing that could spoil the experience is the football itself. However, if that happens, you can always take comfort in knowing that in 90 minutes, you'll be able to enjoy the beautiful country again.
The Guardian
24-05-2025
- General
- The Guardian
Bin chickens galore! Why are there so many ibis in Sydney?
Rain slicks the pavement at Sydney's Prince Alfred Park. Commuters hurry under umbrellas, takeaway bags clutched tight. But one group remains unbothered – heads tilted, shoulders hunched, beaks long. It's lunchtime, and the ibis are here to eat. Some call these birds pests. They rule the streets of Sydney with a slow swagger. Hungry for scraps, they know exactly where to find them. The scavengers use their long black beaks to riffle through rubbish bins near Central station, hissing at schoolkids; they loiter at bus stops and nest high in Hyde Park's palm trees – their version of inner-city high-rise living. Dr John Martin, an ibis expert and senior ecologist at Ecosure, says ibis numbers in Sydney are peaking but its unclear how many are wandering the city. Sign up for a weekly email featuring our best reads Populations boomed in the 1970s, early 2000s and again about 2010 but a lack of national monitoring means there's no official headcount. Once primarily floodplain dwellers, Australian white ibis – AKA Threskiornis moluccus or 'bin chickens' – began moving to coastal cities in search of reliable food, water and shelter. Their shift to urban areas as inland habitats dry up is a climate-driven wildlife migration. Sydney has proved to be fertile ground for the versatile ibis. They flock to parklands in rainy weather, where worms that wriggle to the surface become a tasty snack. Wet days can make it seem as though the birds are multiplying but Martin says the city's ibis population peaks in spring and declines in autumn as chicks die off or birds migrate away from the greater Sydney region. With pesky people indoors, ibis have free range to scavenge human scraps and natural food sources – and maybe even find love. Despite the native birds being protected under Australian law, ibis continue to polarise public opinion. Their increased populations don't pose ecological risks. While older residents remember a time before they became an Australian city staple, younger generations have grown up seeing them in memes and on children's programs including Bluey, where they're affectionately portrayed. Their 'bin chicken' nickname has cemented their cult status. Still, not everyone is a fan. Ibis have been blamed for mess, noise and nuisance behaviour in schools and parks. Complaints to councils are common. 'It really is human-wildlife conflict,' Martin says. Ibis control is authorised by the New South Wales government and councils can apply for permits if intervention is deemed necessary. Sign up to Five Great Reads Each week our editors select five of the most interesting, entertaining and thoughtful reads published by Guardian Australia and our international colleagues. Sign up to receive it in your inbox every Saturday morning after newsletter promotion In 2003 the ABC reported that Bankstown council had hired a professional pest exterminator to shoot the birds after striking a deal with the National Parks and Wildlife Service. But lethal control is now rare and strongly discouraged. 'That's certainly not the approach National Parks supports these days,' Martin says. Early in his career Martin volunteered on ibis monitoring projects where nest and egg destruction were routine methods of control. His PhD examined whether such techniques had any real impact. Today management efforts are more creative: redesigned bins that ibis can't access, habitat modifications and public signs asking people not to feed birds. 'Palm trees are a great example,' Martin says. 'I call it the pineapple effect – if you remove the sideways trunks, you remove nesting platforms.' Martin says the rise of urban ibis is a warning sign, as the birds represent many inland species that rely on healthy wetlands. 'Ibis are waving the flag,' he says. Memory of past droughts and water restrictions may have faded in cities but drought, damming, agriculture and water overuse have left wetlands struggling. A spokesperson for the Canterbury-Bankstown council says a unified metropolitan-wide strategy is needed, including public education about bird feeding and better food waste disposal – all while recognising the bird's native status. 'This is a Sydney-wide problem,' the spokesperson says. Despite their ubiquity, ibis remain surprisingly understudied. Martin encourages citizen scientists to log sightings through the Big City Birds platform. For now, the ibis remains a fixture – and reminds us that nature doesn't end at the edge of the suburbs.
Hospitality Net
20-05-2025
- Business
- Hospitality Net
ibis Bolsters European Foothold with New Addresses across the Region, Including the First ibis Styles in Estonia
ibis, the pioneer of accessible high-quality affordable accommodation with over 2,500 hotels throughout nearly 80 countries around the world, continues its growth trajectory across Europe, with new properties under its ibis, ibis Styles and ibis budget brands. Recent openings span Germany (Berlin and Neckarsulm), Spain (Madrid) and Belgium (Hasselt), with upcoming additions in Hungary (Debrecen), Poland (Katowice) and the United Kingdom (York). The latest growth milestone also marks the debut of the ibis Styles brand in Estonia with a stylish hotel in the heart of Tallinn. Since its launch in 1974, ibis has been at the forefront of democratising travel, offering comfort, reliability and great design at an accessible price. Over the past fifty years, the brand has evolved into three sub-brands – ibis, ibis Styles, and ibis budget. With its unique and adaptable designs, fresh food and drink concepts and heartfelt service, ibis continues to attract new generations of travellers, bringing its original vision of hospitality to life. True to the ibis' spirit of 'Go get it', we welcome guests at our 2,500+ hotels so they can discover the world with purpose and intent. ibis continues to demonstrate its promise of reliability of what matters for the value-minded traveller. These latest additions show the attractiveness of ibis to our guests and partners, who value and trust the forward-thinking spirit of a leading economy brand. Florence Liger-Tourres, Vice President Marketing Economy Brands, Accor Europe & North Africa Opened earlier this month after an extensive renovation of the former L'Ermitage Hotel Tallinn, ibis Styles Tallinn is located closed to the city's medieval Old Town and its creative district, allowing guests to experience both the historic charm and the moder buzz of the capital. The hotel's 122 guest rooms and communal areas feature black and white tones and wall art that celebrate the art of photography throughout. Guests of the new hotel as well as locals can visit the on-site FOCUS restaurant, which serves seasonal Estonian recipes in colourful settings. Other amenities include a breakfast area and a conference room for up to 70 guests. Other ibis branded additions in Europe include: ibis Styles Madrid Airport Valdebas (Spain) – Opening in June, the hotel is the biggest ibis-branded family hotel in Iberia, offering 260 rooms, a restaurant, 24-hours snack bar, pool and rooftop with a lounge bar. Located in the heart of Valdebebas, the hotel is just a few minutes from IFEMA, as well as Real Madrid's training ground, the Alfredo di Stéfano stadium, as well as the Atlético de Madrid's Metropolitano stadium. ibis budget Madrid Albasanz (Spain) – Just a few minutes from the city centre, guests of this new hotel will enjoy the easy connection to Barajas Adolfo Suarez Airport, IFEMA fairgrounds and Wanda Metropolitano Stadium. Slated to open in June, the hotel will offer 99 rooms featuring the new REBOOST design, as well as full buffet breakfast and a snack bar. ibis and ibis budget Berlin Airport (Germany) – Just a few minutes from Berlin Brandenburg Airport Terminal 1, the sister hotels ibis and ibis budget Berlin Airport offer guests 114 rooms each, featuring the latest design concepts of both brands and equipped with the comfortable Sweet Bed by ibis™. Perfectly tailored to the needs of airport guests, the dual hotel provides a shared lobby with extra-early hours breakfast service and café, as well as convenient Park&Fly options for travellers. ibis Styles Neckarsulm (Germany) – Following an extensive renovation project, the latest ibis Styles address in Germany features a unique design that blends the world of motorsport with regional winemaking history. The hotel includes 97 rooms, a breakfast area and bar, a fitness studio, in addition to a meeting room for up to ten guests. Located in northern Baden-Württemberg, Neckarsulm, is known for its rich winemaking tradition and is home to some of the oldest winegrowers in the country. ibis budget La Rochelle Puilboreau (France) – Perfectly suited for both leisure and business travellers, this new hotel offers guests 76 modern rooms featuring the latest brand's design concept for a comfortable stay. The hotel is the perfect gateway to explore the historic city of La Rochelle, known for its picturesque harbour and rich maritime heritage, as well as the beautiful beaches and charming villages of the Île de Ré. ibis Styles York Centre (UK) – Themed around brewing and distilling as nod to the history of its building, the hotel is located in one of the UK's most historic cities with a thriving cultural scene. It offers 110 comfortable rooms, as well as a restaurant and bar that reflects the property's storytelling with beloved British classics. ibis budget Arlon Porte du Luxembourg (Belgium) – Located in the heart of the Belgian Ardennes in the quaint historical town of Arlon, the hotel is ideal for relaxing and taking in nature with several picturesque trails within walking distance. It offers 70 modern keys including several family rooms equipped with the brand's popular bunk bed concept. ibis Styles Hasselt (Belgium) – This newly opened hotel offers guests 91 well-appointed rooms and easy access to the vibrant city of Hasselt, known for its rich cultural heritage and lively atmosphere. The storytelling of this hotel is based on the first expedition that wintered in the Antarctic in human history, led by a Belgian naval officer. Guests can enjoy a delightful breakfast at the hotel's restaurant before exploring the city's attractions, including a great mix of parks, museums and shopping districts. ibis Styles Debrecen Airport (Hungary) – Set to open this summer, the newly built hotel will be conveniently located in Debrecen International Airport, the second biggest airport in Hungary, and in close proximity to major highways. The hotel will offer 72 comfortable rooms and 16 apartments, a restaurant and bar, as well as a meeting room for up to 25 persons. The new hotel will feature an aviation theme and even a real airplane wing. ibis Styles Katowice Airport (Poland) – This hotel is slated to open next month and will offer 75 stylish rooms and a range of amenities, all located within the city's international airport. Guests will be able to unwind at the hotel's bar and restaurant and access a well-equipped fitness centre to stay active during their travels. Guests staying at ibis branded hotels can enjoy a wide variety of rewards, services and experiences as part of ALL, Accor's renowned booking platform and loyalty programme that enhances the experience during and beyond each hotel stay. About Accor, a world-leading hospitality group Accor is a world-leading hospitality group offering stays and experiences across more than 110 countries with over 5,600 hotels and resorts, 10,000 bars & restaurants, wellness facilities and flexible workspaces. The Group has one of the industry's most diverse hospitality ecosystems, encompassing around 45 hotel brands from luxury to economy, as well as Lifestyle with Ennismore. ALL, the booking platform and loyalty program embodies the Accor promise during and beyond the hotel stay and gives its members access to unique experiences. Accor is focused on driving positive action through business ethics, responsible tourism, environmental sustainability, community engagement, diversity, and inclusivity. Accor's mission is reflected in the Group's purpose: Pioneering the art of responsible hospitality, connecting cultures, with heartfelt care. Founded in 1967, Accor SA is headquartered in France. Included in the CAC 40 index, the Group is publicly listed on the Euronext Paris Stock Exchange (ISIN code: FR0000120404) and on the OTC Market (Ticker: ACCYY) in the United States. For more information, please visit or follow us on X, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok. Tamara Schwarz-Speckbacher Media Relations & PR DACH, Nordics, and Baltic States Accor View source
