The crested ibis, once teetering on the brink of extinction due to rapid industrialization in the early 20th century, is making a remarkable comeback in China. Once prevalent across Russia, the Korean Peninsula, and Japan, the species saw a drastic decline in numbers, disappearing from almost all of its natural habitats by the 1970s.
Today, thanks to concerted conservation efforts, Shaanxi Province is home to over 7,700 crested ibises. Zhang Junfeng, a senior engineer at the Qinling Giant Panda Research Center, highlights the successes and strategies behind this revival.
“In the 1981-1990 period, there were only about 10 ibises,” Zhang explains. “In the 1991-2000 period, the number crossed 100. By 2012, it exceeded 1,000. As of 2020, the population reached over 4,400, and it continues to grow.”
Zhang and her colleagues employ various methods to ensure the survival and growth of the crested ibis population. “We track them through marking and satellite tracking devices,” she says. “We also supplement food during special seasons to support their nutritional needs.”
In addition to in-situ conservation, ex-situ efforts play a crucial role. “We have over 20 centers for artificial breeding,” Zhang notes. “At these centers, crested ibises learn essential skills like foraging, breeding, and courtship in preparation for their eventual release into the wild.”
These comprehensive conservation strategies have not only increased the crested ibis population but have also set a model for wildlife conservation. The rebounding numbers of this once-endangered bird reflect China’s commitment to biodiversity and ecological restoration.
Reference(s):
Chinese conservation program returns crested ibises to nature
cgtn.com
