Deep in the eastern coast of China, a remarkable feat took place on a fateful day in April 2024. A crested ibis, reintroduced into the wild, embarked on a 260-km journey across the Bohai Sea in an unprecedented 11 hours, shattering two records for migratory endurance. This extraordinary journey not only highlighted the bird’s remarkable navigational skills but also shed new light on its potential for long-distance migration.
The Journey Begins
At dawn, the crested ibis, tagged as No. 162, took to the skies from Dongying, Shandong Province, marking the start of an epic journey. The bird soared across the coastal terrain, navigating turbulent air currents over the Bohai Sea with remarkable agility. Its remarkable endurance was on full display as it maintained speeds of 30-50 km/h without landing for nearly 200 kilometers.
A Marvel of Navigation
The crested ibis’s navigational precision was truly remarkable. Defying prior assumptions that the species could only manage short-distance flights of around 40 kilometers, it demonstrated an uncanny ability to read the landscape and find its way. This remarkable feat has renewed hope for population recovery in eastern wetlands and redefines the species’s potential for international migration.
A Turning Point for Conservation
According to bird expert Liu Dongping, the migration redefines the species’s potential, renewing hope for population recovery in eastern wetlands. The fact that the crested ibis can undertake such a long-distance journey has significant implications for conservation efforts. “This migration redefines the species’ potential, renewing hope for population recovery in eastern wetlands,” said Liu Dongping.
Health and Survival
Satellite data confirmed that the bird’s health remained stable post-journey, with robust vital signs recorded on Saturday. This is a testament to the remarkable adaptability and resilience of the crested ibis. The bird’s ability to survive such a long and arduous journey is a crucial factor in its long-term survival.
A Brighter Future for the Species
Wang Andong, a senior engineer at Shandong Yellow River Delta National Nature Reserve, noted that the ibis’s capability for international migration could eventually restore populations and even migrate to Japan, Republic of Korea, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and elsewhere. This raises the prospect of a thriving crested ibis population in the region.
A Second Reintroduction Phase
Currently, six reintroduced ibises — four of which are being tracked by satellite — are under observation in Shandong’s coastal habitats. Three or four pairs, known for their strong survival skills, will join this year’s second reintroduction phase, aiming to establish a stable wild population. This ambitious plan holds great promise for the future of the crested ibis.
A Symbol of Conservation Success
Once near extinction, crested ibises are first-class protected animals in China, revered as “oriental gem.” The successful reintroduction and migration of the species is a testament to the power of conservation efforts.
