Since the early 20th century, the rapid industrialization of the world, though it brought numerous benefits to people, has threatened the survival of the ancient crested ibis. The species became increasingly rare in Russia, the Korean Peninsula and Japan in the second half of the 20th century and even vanished in nearly all its wild habitats in the 1970s. In 1981, seven wild crested ibises were found in China's Yangxian County, the last known population at the time, sparking hope that the population would return to the nature.

About Journeys in Nature: Cloudy Qinling Series

Qinling Mountain range is among the regions with the richest biodiversity in the world, specifically hailed as the northernmost treasure trove of subtropical wildlife. Sitting between northern and southern China, the majestic mountain range is regarded by some as the country's "central park" and an important symbol of Chinese culture. Keep an eye out for the giant panda, golden snub-nosed monkey, takin and other rich wildlife in the cloudy Qinling Mountains. 

For more: Cloudy Qinling Series Ep. 4: Qinling "twist-horns"

(Cover image a video screenshot; video by CGTN Nature film crew)

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