Over the past 40 years, the population of brown-eared pheasants in China has steadily grown, reaching around 19,000 across Shanxi Province, according to a report just released by the local forestry bureau. Known as the "Oriental Jewel," the elegant bird is now a vulnerable species under first-level national protection in China. It was once endangered due to habitat destruction and overhunting for its feathers, which can be used in fashion to make clothing and accessories.