In pics: Crested ibises thrive at breeding center in Shaanxi

The breeding season for the endangered crested ibis runs from March to June each year.

To promote natural reproduction and prepare the birds for release into the wild, the Crested Ibis Captive Breeding and Conservation Center in Yangxian county, Shaanxi province, has established enclosures that replicate natural habitats such as wetlands and woodlands. The birds are provided with natural food sources, including loaches, fish and shrimp, to develop essential survival skills such as foraging, nesting and flying. To date, the center has bred approximately 1,000 crested ibis chicks to date.

Widely regarded as one of the world's greatest conservation success stories, the crested ibis has recovered from the brink of extinction. According to the latest data from the Shaanxi Provincial Forestry Bureau, the global population surpassed 12,000 by the end of 2025, while its habitat expanded to more than 20,000 square kilometers. In China, the species is now found across 15 provincial-level regions, marking steady progress in restoring its historic range.