The Crested Ibis, often celebrated as the \"Oriental Gem,\" has undergone a remarkable recovery in Shaanxi Province, NW China. Once teetering on the brink of extinction due to wetland and forest destruction, along with the pervasive use of pesticides and fertilizers, the population faced severe decline. In 1981, a mere seven wild Crested Ibises were discovered in Yaojiagou, Yangxian County, sparking urgent conservation actions.
Over the past four decades, dedicated efforts in Yangxian County, Hanzhong City, have transformed the outlook for this endangered species. Conservation initiatives included rescuing injured birds, conducting artificial breeding research, and enforcing bans on harmful pesticides and fertilizers within the ibis' habitat. These measures have led to a remarkable increase in the Crested Ibis population, now soaring to over 10,000 individuals.
Today, Crested Ibises are thriving not only in Shaanxi but also in Zhejiang and Henan provinces. Their presence has extended beyond China's borders, with populations establishing in countries like Japan and South Korea. The successful conservation of the Crested Ibis in China stands as a shining example of global wildlife preservation efforts, inspiring similar initiatives worldwide.
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Live: Watch the crested ibises soar in Shaanxi Province, NW China
cgtn.com
