STORY: China's Shaanxi achieves solid progress in crested ibis conservation
SHOOTING TIME: Recent footage
DATELINE: July 16, 2024
LENGTH: 0:01:35
LOCATION: XI'AN, China
CATEGORY: ENVIRONMENT

SHOTLIST:
1. various of crested ibis
2. STANDUP (English): WANG JIALIN, Xinhua correspondent
3. SOUNDBITE 1 (Chinese): WANG RUI, Staffer of a forestry work station in Yulin
4. SOUNDBITE 2 (Chinese): WANG RUI, Staffer of a forestry work station in Yulin

STORYLINE:

STANDUP (English): WANG JIALIN, Xinhua correspondent
"Right now, we are in the city of Yulin of northwest China's Shaanxi Province, the northernmost living place for crested ibises in the province. Last October, the city introduced 20 crested ibises from the capital city Xi'an, which lies further south, as an effort to further bring the bird northward and diversify local species."

The crested ibis, with its iconic red crest and long black beak, was thought to be extinct in China until seven wild birds were observed in Shaanxi in 1981, a discovery that prompted captive breeding and enhanced protection of the species.

After more than 40 years of continuous conservation, it is estimated that there are over 11,000 crested ibises in the world today.

SOUNDBITE 1 (Chinese): WANG RUI, Staffer of a forestry work station in Yulin
"In October 2023, we brought in 20 crested ibises, ten pairs, from Louguantai (in Zhouzhi, Xi'an). This year, among the 20 crested ibises we have here, five pairs have been paired and 11 chicks have been hatched out."

Crested ibises are quite sensitive to the environment. Captive breeding and rewilding of crested ibises were carried out for these rare birds to be reintroduced into their historical habitat.

In recent years, Yulin has also stepped up its efforts in ecological protection and restoration, creating an environment conducive to the survival of wild crested ibises.

SOUNDBITE 2 (Chinese): WANG RUI, Staffer of a forestry work station in Yulin
"Crested ibises have strict requirements for ecological environments. Over the past few years, crested ibises have adapted to the wetlands, rice fields, and water environments in Yulin."

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Xi'an, China.
(XHTV)