THE crested ibis, with its iconic red crest and long black beak, was thought to be extinct in China until seven wild birds appeared in Yangxian County, Shaanxi Province, in 1981.

Over the years, Chinese scientists have successfully revived this tiny population to nearly 10,000. Zhang Junfeng, a key scientist behind the achievement, recalled that in 2002, the Shaanxi provincial rare wildlife rescue base, where she works, received 60 crested ibis raised at the discovery site of Yangxian.

Zhang’s team has successfully employed reproductive technologies in raising more than 500 crested ibis and releasing more than 140 of the birds into the wild.

The species is expected to soon reappear in more of its historical distribution areas in East Asia. (Xinhua)