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Extinct Crested Ibises Return to Japan After Decades
1 Jun
Summary
- Eight crested ibises, extinct in Japan since the 1970s, were released.
- China's breeding support was crucial for the ibis's reintroduction.
- The release offers hope for the Noto region recovering from an earthquake.
Eight endangered crested ibises, known as Toki in Japan, have been released into the wild in Hakui city, marking their return decades after going extinct on Honshu main island. These white birds, admired for their distinctive orange-pink wing undersides and red eye markings, were last seen in the Noto region.
Reintroduction efforts were spearheaded by conservation programs leveraging support from China, which provided a breeding pair in 1999. This initiative led to the first captive-born chick, and subsequent breeding has bolstered the population.
This significant event offers a symbol of recovery and hope for the Noto region, which is actively rebuilding following the destructive 2024 earthquake. The successful reintroduction underscores decades of dedicated breeding and conservation efforts by Japanese authorities.
