From near extinction to soaring skies: Revival of crested ibises

Believed to have existed for over 60 million years, the crested ibis, known as "the Oriental gem," is one of the oldest bird species in the world and once flourished in China, the Korean Peninsula, Japan and Russia.

Yet the widespread use of pesticides and fertilizers, hunting and habitat loss due to deforestation brought the birds to the brink of extinction.

Initially believed to be extinct in China, seven remaining crested ibises were rediscovered in 1981 in Yangxian County, northwest China's Shaanxi Province. The population has now surpassed 10,000 thanks to decades of conservation efforts made by local people and dedicated researchers. 

CGTN's Xu Jinhui talks to engineer Zeng Jianwen, from the Shaanxi Hanzhong Crested Ibis National Nature Reserve Administrative Bureau, who sheds light on the two-pronged approach to conservation – protecting wild populations and developing artificial ones. 

Artificial breeding is an important means of boosting the population of crested ibis. The crested ibis chicks are provided meticulous care during their early days. After about 45 days, the chicks can live in a large cage outside with their companions. They can fly when they are two months old. To enable captive-bred crested ibises to thrive in the wild, the staff at the National Nature Reserve created controlled environments that mimic the natural habitats of crested ibises – complete with tall trees and ponds.

As the population of crested ibis increases, successful initiatives for "ex-situ conservation" and "reintroduction into the wild" of captive-bred crested ibises have been launched. The creature's distribution range has further expanded, extending from Yangxian County to the Qinling-Daba mountain areas, from the Yangtze River to the Yellow River, from Shaanxi Province to all parts of the country. 

This initiative not only benefits China but also contributes to restoring crested ibis populations in East Asian countries through gifting and collaborative efforts. China donated five crested ibises to help rebuild the species in Japan in the 1990s, while Japan has been supporting the protection of the crested ibis habitat in China through both governmental and non-governmental projects. The bird has become a bridge of friendship between the two countries. Japan was able to artificially breed more crested ibises from pairs brought over from China. The several hundred birds living today in Japan are all descendants of these Chinese trailblazers.