In an inspiring testament to conservation efforts, the Crested Ibis—a species once teetering on the brink of extinction—has soared back to prominence in China’s Shaanxi Province.
Known as the “Oriental Gem,” the Crested Ibis is a nationally protected wildlife species in China. Decades ago, the species faced near extinction due to habitat destruction, pesticide use, and deforestation, which drastically reduced their population.
In 1981, only seven wild Crested Ibises were discovered in Yaojiagou, Yangxian County, within Shaanxi Province. This alarming discovery spurred urgent conservation actions. Over the past four decades, dedicated efforts by local authorities and conservationists have led to a remarkable resurgence of the Crested Ibis population, now numbering over 10,000.
Conservation measures included rescuing injured birds, artificial breeding programs, habitat restoration, and strict bans on pesticides and fertilizers within the birds’ habitats. These comprehensive efforts not only stabilized but dramatically increased the population of this endangered species.
Today, the Crested Ibis can be found not only in Shaanxi but also in Zhejiang and Henan provinces, and has been reintroduced to countries like Japan and the Republic of Korea. The successful recovery of the Crested Ibis stands as a global exemplar of how dedicated conservation can revive endangered species.
The story of the Crested Ibis underscores the impact of human intervention in species preservation and highlights the importance of continued efforts to protect biodiversity across Asia and the world.
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Live: Watch the crested ibises soar in Shaanxi Province, NW China
cgtn.com
