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Rare Crested Ibises Take Flight in Gansu Restoration Effort
20 Sep
Summary
- Twenty crested ibises were released Sunday into wild Xiaolong Mountain.
- Over 10,000 crested ibises now exist, up from just seven in 1981.
- China aims to restore wild populations in 15 provincial regions.
Twenty critically endangered crested ibises were released into Xiaolong Mountain in Gansu province on Sunday, signifying a new phase in provincial efforts to restore wild populations. These birds underwent rigorous training and health assessments before their reintroduction.
The release is designed to help the species reclaim its historical territories and broaden its survival space. China has successfully expanded rewilding and reintroduction programs, establishing wild and captive populations across 15 provincial regions.
Historically, Xiaolong Mountain was a natural habitat for crested ibises. Gansu initiated a reintroduction project in 2023, introducing breeding stock from Shaanxi province and establishing a breeding base.
Through dedicated conservation, the local population at the Xiaolongshan Forestry Protection Center has grown from 20 to 50 birds. This successful rewilding aims to support research and conservation management, contributing to the species' overall recovery in China.
