China's conservation efforts help crested ibis population grow

The Shaanxi Hanzhong Crested Ibis National Nature Reserve harbors the world's largest population of wild crested ibises. Located in the southern part of the Qinling Mountains, the reserve currently houses over 100 crested ibises.

Initially believed to be extinct in China, the crested ibis, recognized by its iconic red crest and long black beak, was rediscovered in China's Shaanxi Province in 1981, a discovery that prompted captive breeding and enhanced protection of the species.

The wild training grounds of the breeding center, located within a large net enclosure covering an area of 7,000 square meters, simulate the natural environment with big trees, shrubs, grasslands, and wetlands. 

Forty-five crested ibises at the center are learning essential skills such as foraging, courtship, breeding and offspring rearing for their eventual release into the wild. Only those crested ibises that excel in all aspects of their training will graduate from the center and become qualified sources for the future reintroduction of the species.

One distinctive characteristic of crested ibises is their preference for fresh meat. Each bird consumes around 200 grams of food per day, equivalent to the weight of approximately 12 loaches. Their feeding sessions last nearly three hours.

In addition, regular blood samples are usually taken by healthcare professionals to monitor their well-being. To minimize stress during health check-ups, the birds are fitted with black hoods to calm their fear and anxiety.

Since the 1990s, over 300 crested ibises bred in the center have been released into the wild. These reintroduced individuals spread across seven provinces in China and have even been flown to Japan and South Korea, contributing to the conservation and global presence of this species.

(Cover image via VCG)

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