’Birds of Good Luck’ to collectively advance conservation

Beijing, (ANTARA/PRNewswire)- A report from People’s Daily: The crested ibis, known as the „bird of good fortune”, is widely revered by people in Northeast Asia. In 1981, researchers found seven wild crested ibises in the heart of the Qinling Mountains in northwest China’s Shaanxi Province. After years of breeding and conservation, the global population of crested ibis has grown to more than 10,000.

Conservation of crested ibises in China serves as a global model for saving endangered species, and significant progress has been made through joint conservation efforts by China and Japan. Thanks to this magical bird, I developed a deep bond with China.

My name is Akio Nakajima. I am a researcher at the Human and Ecosystem Symbiosis Research Institute at the University of Tokyo.

In the late 20th century, wild crested ibises disappeared in Japan due to environmental degradation from economic development, illegal hunting, and other factors. Crested ibises in captivity also lost their ability to reproduce.

From 1998 to 2018, China provided seven crested ibises to Japan to help the country reproduce the species. As a result, the number of captive crested ibis living on Sato Island in Japan’s Niigata Prefecture is steadily increasing.

I have been involved in crested ibis conservation, research and rewilding projects on Sado Island since 2000. It was also in that year that a female ibis named Mei Mei arrived in Japan as a gift from China. It received good care and protection in Japan and was mated with Yuu Yu, the offspring of two crested ibises, Yang Yang and Yu Yu, gifted by China in 1999. They had many offspring together.

In 2007, Japan returned 13 young crested ibises to China, all descendants of Mei Mei and well-preserved at the Dongzhai National Nature Reserve in Luoshan County, Xinjiang City, Henan Province, central China.

Since then, I have been closely following news about wildlife and was curious to know more about these birds. I also hoped that one day I would be able to visit the reserve and see them for myself.

In October 2017, I traveled to Dongchuan City, Shaanxi Province to participate in an exchange event on crested ibis conservation. While there, I received an invitation to the fourth Crested Ibis release event at the nature reserve and immediately changed my schedule. Arriving at the reserve, I visited a crested ibis breeding station and was impressed by the dedicated work of Chinese experts in conserving the species, which has led to a significant increase in their population.

The facilities at the breeding station were very well organized to support the growth and living conditions of the crested ibis, while also providing a memorable experience for the visitors. The crested ibises, which returned to China from Sato Island ten years ago, were full of excitement when they witnessed them living peacefully with their offspring.

I thoroughly observed the environment and facilities, especially the living conditions of the Crested Ibis. I can’t wait to share this information with my colleagues and friends in Japan.

The next morning, I joined the Crested Ibis release event hosted by the nature reserve. A total of 22 captive crested ibises were returned to the wild, bringing the number of ibises released into the region to 100. From the initial few individuals to the large-scale publication, this achievement encompasses the enormous efforts of Chinese experts.

Seeing the beautiful crested ibises flying high with their wings spread inspired a powerful feeling in me, as if I could already see a future where these birds would fly freely in the skies of Northeast Asia.

A year later, I returned to the natural reserve to observe the breeding habits of crested ibis. At the crab ponds where crested ibises often forage, I saw an ibis feeding. Crested ibises enjoy eating crustaceans, and the vibrant colors of their feathers come from the chitin in these creatures. Through the binoculars, I saw their beautiful feathers, which indicated that they were receiving good care and protection.

I also learned that local elementary schools often initiate publicity campaigns about crested ibis conservation. I hope Japanese and Chinese schools can engage in more exchanges and cooperation in crested ibis conservation in the future.

Through my interactions with Chinese experts, I gained valuable insights into the conservation of crested ibis and the harmonious coexistence between the birds and the local community. The hospitality and friendliness of the Chinese people made a lasting impression on me throughout this process.

I am very much looking forward to returning to China, especially the nature reserve, to engage in more detailed discussions with Chinese experts on wild crested ibis monitoring and scientific research cooperation between Japan and China. I hope to contribute to the conservation of crested ibis.

According to historical documents, the crested ibis is a migratory bird with a widespread presence throughout Northeast Asia. I believe that in the future, with the collective efforts of people in Northeast Asian countries, these „birds of good luck” will resume their migratory habits. They will then act as a bridge and symbol of friendly exchange between Northeast Asian countries.

Source: People’s Daily

Reporter: PR Wire
Author: PR Wire
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