China has seen a miraculous revival in the population of the crested ibis due to efforts by researchers and conservationists over the past decades.

The crested ibis has been around for more than 60 million years and once flourished in northeast Asia. However, the widespread use of pesticides and fertilizers by the 1960s saw the loss of the birds' habitat and threatened to all but wipe out the entire species.

For a long time, ornithologists weren't even sure if the crested ibis still existed in China, but after years of painstaking field research, seven birds were discovered in the Yangxian County of northwest China's Shaanxi Province in 1981. And these birds were thought to be the last remaining in the entire world.

For veteran ornithologist Liu Yinzeng, the discovery was exciting beyond words. After spending three years trekking over 50,000 kilometers, he was beginning to think he would never see one.

"I saw one feeding by the paddy field. I was really excited. I took out my camera and crawled towards it. I took a picture every few meters. The shutter sounded thunderous to me," said Liu.

Yaojiagou, where the crested ibises were found, was located between two mountains. The remote location and low human activity meant the ecology remained largely primitive, which was good for the crested ibises to live and breed.

The two couples and three fledglings were named "Qinling No.1," and a protection group of four was established by the local forestry department. Liu stayed in Yaojiagou to observe and take care of the bird for another three years.

To better protect the bird, the local government of Yangxian County has also banned hunting, logging, the use of fertilizers and pesticides, and land clearing near their habitat for over 40 years. 

Through a successful breeding program and improved habitat, the crested ibis population has now grown to roughly 4,400, with 4,100 located in Shaanxi Province.

For more:

A remarkable comeback: The captive breeding program of crested ibis

From 7 to 4,400: The crested ibis conservation success story

(Cover image via screenshot. Video edited by Zhao Ying,)

(If you want to contribute and have specific expertise, please contact us at nature@cgtn.com.)