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Extinct Bird Returns: Japan Frees Nine Crested Ibises
11 Oct
Summary
- Nine endangered crested ibises were released into the wild in Ishikawa Prefecture.
- This marks the second release on Honshu, aiming to expand habitat beyond Sado Island.
- Conservation involves restoring traditional rural landscapes for food and nesting.
Japan has released nine endangered crested ibises into the wild in Ishikawa Prefecture, a second such effort on Honshu island. This initiative aims to expand the habitat of the toki, a bird that had become extinct in the wild in Japan.
Earlier this year, 18 ibises were released in the same prefecture. The crested ibis, or 'toki,' faced decline due to hunting, habitat loss, and pesticide use, with the last native bird dying in 2003.
A captive-breeding program, bolstered by donations from China, initiated the bird's recovery. The first successful breeding in Japan occurred in 1999, leading to the release of captive-bred ibises on Sado Island in 2008. The wild population there now numbers around 500.
The current releases in Ishikawa are crucial for establishing a population beyond Sado. Restoring the satoyama landscape, a traditional rural environment, is also vital for providing the birds with food and nesting sites.
Future plans include another release in Shimane Prefecture in 2027, furthering Japan's goal to expand the crested ibis' range.
