A newborn crested ibis chick has been spotted in the lush forests of Hunan Province's Mount Langshan, signaling a breakthrough in efforts to revive one of the world's rarest bird species. Local authorities confirmed this week that the healthy hatchling—monitored via 24/7 observation—represents the successful formation of a self-sustaining wild population, a conservation milestone decades in the making.
The crested ibis, once teetering on extinction due to habitat loss, now thrives in this UNESCO World Natural Heritage site thanks to rigorous habitat restoration and breeding programs. The chick's active feeding and growth, documented by the Langshan world natural heritage administration, offer hope for long-term species recovery.
This achievement underscores China's expanding role in global biodiversity protection. Conservationists note the project's success could provide a model for restoring other endangered species across Asia, balancing ecological priorities with sustainable development.
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Self-sustaining wild population of crested ibises formed in C China
cgtn.com