Branson reintroducing Scarlet Ibis

2012-06-18 12:31

Richard Branson has said he is reintroducing the Scarlet Ibis to the British Virgin Islands. (Reed Saxon, AP)

Tortola - Billionaire entrepreneur Richard Branson says he is reintroducing a flame-red bird to the British Virgin Islands.

The Virgin Group boss said on his blog that a Scarlet Ibis was recently born on his private island in the British Caribbean territory.

Branson said it's "the first Scarlet Ibis born in the British Virgin Islands for over 100 years".

He has developed an exclusive eco-resort on Necker Island that showcases renewable energy technology and successfully reintroduced flamingos there.

Branson said he hopes the protected Scarlet Ibises will be as successful as the flamingos so the UK territory "can enjoy the beauty of these birds".

The British tycoon is also introducing lemurs on nearby undeveloped Moskito Island, a move criticised by some scientists who say the non-native species could disrupt the ecological balance.

- AP