In the misty wetlands of Shaanxi Province, a delicate pink-and-white bird spreads its wings—a sight once thought to be disappearing forever. The crested ibis, revered as China's 'Oriental gem,' has defied extinction through four decades of tireless conservation efforts, emerging as a global symbol of ecological resilience.
From 7 to 7,000: A Species Reborn
Once reduced to just seven wild birds in 1981, China's crested ibis population now exceeds 7,000, with breeding programs expanding to Zhejiang and Henan provinces. Scientific breakthroughs in artificial incubation and habitat restoration have allowed these graceful birds to reclaim skies across East Asia, including new populations in Japan and South Korea.
Guardians of the Wetlands
Conservationists credit the revival to cross-sector collaboration between researchers, local communities, and government agencies. 'This success shows what's possible when traditional ecological wisdom meets modern science,' says a Shaanxi-based wildlife researcher, noting how farmers now protect nesting sites during critical breeding seasons.
Eco-Tourism Takes Flight
The ibis's comeback is boosting sustainable tourism, with Yangxian County welcoming over 100,000 annual visitors for 'bird-friendly' tours. Conservation groups emphasize balancing human activity with habitat preservation as the species continues to spread across multiple regions.
