Rare Glossy Ibis Spotted After 15-Year Absence in Chinese Nature Reserve

In a significant development for China's biodiversity conservation efforts, the glossy ibis, a first-class protected species, has been sighted at Hengshui Lake National Nature Reserve in Hebei province after a 15-year absence. According to local authorities, the species had vanished from China for many years until its rediscovery in Sichuan province in 2009.

Now, in May 2025, researchers from Hengshui University have recorded the presence of a single glossy ibis at the Hengshui Lake reserve. This sighting is not only a testament to the effectiveness of the reserve's conservation measures but also an indication of the steady improvement in the lake's ecological environment.

Located on the East Asian-Australasian migratory bird flyway, Hengshui Lake National Nature Reserve is one of the few intact wetland ecosystems left on the North China Plain. Through systematic restoration and protection efforts in recent years, the reserve has become a critical stopover, wintering, and breeding site for numerous bird species, with a total of 336 avian species recorded to date, 21 of which are under national first-class protection.

The return of the glossy ibis, a species known for its demanding habitat requirements, is a significant milestone in the reserve's biodiversity conservation journey. This event not only enriches the list of endangered species found in the area but also serves as a testament to the effectiveness of the ongoing efforts to preserve the delicate ecological balance of Hengshui Lake.