Figures give hope to 'extinct' birds
Source: Xinhua |
October 30, 2010, Saturday
|
Print Edition
Print Edition
THE population of the crested ibis, an endangered bird once believed to be extinct in China, has risen to 1,400 in northwest China's Shaanxi Province, thanks to three decades of conservation.
About half of the ibises live in the wild in a reserve for rare birds in Hanzhong City, said Jia Lianyou, a PR officer in Yangxian County, where the reserve is located. The other half are bred in captivity.
Environmental deterioration caused the population to rapidly shrink and the bird was believed to be extinct in the late 1950s.
In 1981, Chinese scientists found seven ibises in Yangxian County, reigniting hope the species could be saved.
"We started by improving the local environment and banning the use of fertilizers, pesticides, fireworks and all explosives in the county in 1990," said Jia.
The measures were costly to the local economy, but have ultimately been effective.
About half of the ibises live in the wild in a reserve for rare birds in Hanzhong City, said Jia Lianyou, a PR officer in Yangxian County, where the reserve is located. The other half are bred in captivity.
Environmental deterioration caused the population to rapidly shrink and the bird was believed to be extinct in the late 1950s.
In 1981, Chinese scientists found seven ibises in Yangxian County, reigniting hope the species could be saved.
"We started by improving the local environment and banning the use of fertilizers, pesticides, fireworks and all explosives in the county in 1990," said Jia.
The measures were costly to the local economy, but have ultimately been effective.
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