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From Brink of Extinction: Crested Ibis Thrives
22 May
Summary
- Crested ibis population surged from seven to nearly 7,000 in Hanzhong.
- Strict conservation efforts include banning hunting and harmful pesticides.
- Conservation boosts biodiversity and organic industry in Yangxian county.
The crested ibis, once on the brink of extinction with only seven individuals known in 1981, has experienced a remarkable resurgence. This success story is primarily centered in Hanzhong, Shaanxi province, where the population has now grown to nearly 7,000. Decades of dedicated conservation have expanded the species' presence to 13 other provincial-level regions across China, contributing to a global population exceeding 11,000.
Conservation efforts in Yangxian county, administered by Hanzhong, have been particularly stringent. Since a "Four Prohibitions" notice was issued in 1981, activities detrimental to the birds, such as hunting, pesticide use, and habitat destruction, have been banned. Over 2,800 hectares have been designated as protected areas, with 126 monitoring sites established.
These conservation initiatives have yielded significant ecological and economic benefits. Hanzhong has witnessed improved biodiversity, with an increase in terrestrial wildlife species. Furthermore, Yangxian county's organic food industry has flourished, with over 13,300 hectares of organic farmland and an industrial park generating substantial annual output value.
