Release of 20 crested ibis marks new phase in protection in Gansu

The release of 20 crested ibises in Xiaolong Mountain, Gansu province, on Sunday marked the next phase of the province's efforts to rebuild populations of endangered species in the wild, according to the National Forestry and Grassland Administration.

Prior to their release, the birds underwent strict rewilding training and health checks, and were fitted with identification tags. The move is expected to help the species return to parts of its historical range, expand its habitat and strengthen the regional conservation network, the administration said in a news release.

"The release marks a new stage in Gansu's crested ibis conservation, as it moves from captive breeding to the reconstruction of wild populations. It is of milestone significance for expanding the species' distribution, increasing population genetic diversity and improving the crested ibis conservation network in Northwest China," said Wan Ziming, deputy director-general of the administration's wildlife protection department.

Historically, the Xiaolong Mountain area was home to the crested ibis. In 2023, Gansu launched a crested ibis reintroduction project and introduced breeding stock from the Hanzhong Crested Ibis National Nature Reserve in neighboring Shaanxi province.

A breeding base was subsequently established at the Longmen forest farm in Xiaolong Mountain, where artificial breeding and rewilding training efforts were carried out.

Through sustained protection and careful management, the number of crested ibises at the site grew from the 20 first introduced in 2023 to 50, according to the Xiaolong Mountain forestry protection center, which oversees the farm.

In 1981, only seven wild crested ibises were found in Yangxian county, Shaanxi, and they were believed to be the last remaining individuals of the species.

After more than four decades of conservation efforts, the global population of the crested ibis has surpassed 10,000, with most of the birds found in Yangxian.

Wan said the crested ibis has gradually spread into its historical distribution areas in China.

The country has developed a conservation model that prioritizes in-situ conservation, complemented by ex-situ conservation, with population growth driven by rewilding releases, he said. The model is also underpinned by scientific research and supported by coordination between the government and the public, fostering harmonious coexistence between people and crested ibises.

According to Wan, the model has become "a global example of endangered species conservation and contributed a Chinese approach to biodiversity conservation".

China has carried out rewilding and reintroduction programs in recent years, establishing captive-bred and wild populations of crested ibises in 15 provincial-level regions, the administration said.

Under a 2022-2035 action plan, China aims to carry out comprehensive rewilding efforts and restore natural populations in different geographical areas, with the ultimate goal of returning the species to its historical range.

Wan said that "rewilding is not 'release and forget', but a long-term, systematic and science-based conservation project". He called for sustained monitoring and patrols after the release, using satellite tracking, identification tags, infrared cameras and ground patrols to track the birds' movements, feeding, breeding and survival, and to establish complete population records.

He also called for stronger habitat protection, greater scientific collaboration and wider community participation. These efforts should include restoring wetlands, streams and nesting trees, promoting environmentally friendly farming, addressing key technical challenges and encouraging local communities to take part in conservation, he said.

Wu Yuexuan contributed to this story.