In a heartening sign of environmental progress, over 10 pairs of endangered crested ibises have been spotted nesting and tending to their eggs in Tongchuan City, located in northwest China’s Shaanxi Province. The breeding season, which commenced in February, has local wildlife conservationists optimistic about the species’ recovery.
Local rangers are closely monitoring each nest to ensure the safety of the birds and to collect valuable data. “The rangers wrap the trunks with plastic to prevent snakes from climbing up. Also, wildlife photographers are not recommended to gather and interfere with the ibises,” said Wu Xiaolu, a member of the local station for the protection of wild animals.
The crested ibis, once on the brink of extinction, has seen a remarkable resurgence in Tongchuan. In 2013, 62 artificially bred crested ibises were released into the wild in the city. Since then, an impressive total of 202 crested ibises have been born in the area.
Shaanxi Province has become a stronghold for the species, with over 7,700 crested ibises now inhabiting the region, according to the provincial forestry bureau. This resurgence underscores the effectiveness of conservation efforts and highlights the importance of continued protection measures.
The crested ibis is not only a symbol of hope for wildlife conservation in China but also an indicator of the health of wetland ecosystems in the region. The success in Shaanxi Province serves as an encouraging example for other conservation programs aiming to restore endangered species to their natural habitats.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
