The crested ibis, once teetering on the edge of extinction due to rapid industrialization, has made a remarkable recovery in China. In the early 20th century, this elegant bird became increasingly rare across Russia, the Korean Peninsula, and Japan, nearly disappearing from its natural habitats by the 1970s.
However, dedicated conservation initiatives have turned the tides. Zhang Junfeng, a senior engineer at the Qinling Giant Panda Research Center, shared insights into these efforts. \"Shaanxi Province is presently home to over 7,700 ibises. In the 1981-1990 period, there were only about 10 ibises,\" Zhang explained. \"By the 1991-2000 period, the number crossed 100, and in 2012, it exceeded 1,000.\"
By 2020, the crested ibis population had soared to over 4,400. Zhang and her team employ marking and satellite tracking to monitor the birds, supplement their food during critical seasons, and engage in ex-situ conservation through artificial breeding programs. With more than 20 centers dedicated to breeding, ibises learn essential skills like foraging, breeding, and courtship to prepare for their release back into the wild.
This success story highlights the power of targeted conservation strategies and the commitment of scientists and communities to preserve endangered species.
Reference(s):
Chinese conservation program returns crested ibises to nature
cgtn.com
