In a significant move to bolster conservation efforts, Japan has returned 16 crested ibises to China, honoring a long-standing agreement between the two nations aimed at reducing the extinction risk of the species.
First Return in Eight Years
The return, which took place on Thursday, marks the first such transfer of the internationally protected birds in eight years. The 16 ibises, comprising nine females and seven males, were born at a conservation center on Sado Island in Niigata Prefecture between 2016 and 2022. They will now reside at Beijing Zoo, contributing to China’s breeding and conservation programs.
Reviving a Species Once Extinct in Japan
Japan’s native crested ibis population became extinct in 2003 due to habitat loss and other environmental pressures. In a bid to revive the species, Japan has been utilizing birds donated by China since 1999 for an artificial breeding program. As part of the agreement, Japan committed to returning half of the chicks born from these efforts to China.
Successful Reintroduction Efforts
Since 2008, Japan has been releasing crested ibises on Sado Island to reintroduce them into the wild. These efforts have shown promising results. According to Japan’s Environment Ministry, as of late 2023, an estimated 532 crested ibises are living in the wild in Japan, while around 160 are housed in conservation facilities.
Strengthening Conservation Collaboration
The return of the ibises underscores the collaborative relationship between China and Japan in wildlife conservation. The continued exchange and support between the two countries play a crucial role in the preservation of the crested ibis, a species once teetering on the brink of extinction.
This latest transfer not only aids in the species’ recovery but also strengthens the environmental ties between China and Japan.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
