Restoration of the crested ibis, nipponia nippon

Abstract

In China, the crested ibis Nipponia nippon was thought to have become extinct until seven birds were rediscovered in 1981. After its rediscovery, various projects for the conservation of the species in the wild and for captive breeding were begun with the goal of managing the population. A total number of this species increased to more than 200 birds including about 100 in the wild and 130 in captivity by 2000. Despite captive breeding inbreeding depression has not been observed. In the course of research, however, various factors were influencing the rate of increase of the crested ibis population. The factors include: habitat loss, the increased human population within the species’ range, environmental pollution resulting from the use of agro-chemicals in particular pesticides and also predators such as snakes and birds. The fate of the crested ibis probably depends largely upon the life style of humankind. © GSP, India.