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Crested ibis hatched in China's Jiangxi

STORY: Crested ibis hatched in China's Jiangxi SHOOTING TIME: June 11, 2024 DATELINE: June 14, 2024 LENGTH: 00:00:12 LOCATION: YINGTAN, China CATEGORY: ECOLOGY SHOTLIST: 1. various of crested ibises STORYLINE: A baby crested ibis was hatched on Tuesday in a protection base in east China's Jiangxi. This is the first naturally hatched crested ibis of the base this year. Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Yingtan, China. (XHTV)

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SOUTH KOREA-CHANGNYEOUNG COUNTY-CRESTED IBIS

(240524) -- SEOUL, May 24, 2024 (Xinhua) -- A crested ibis is pictured at the Upo Crested Ibis Restoration Center in Changnyeong, South Korea, May 20, 2024. The crested ibis, which used to be widely distributed in China, Japan, South Korea and other East Asian regions, has become an endangered bird species worldwide, rarely seen in South Korea since the 1980s. In 2008, the crested ibis couple "Yang Zhou" and "Long Ting" arrived and settled down at the Upo Crested Ibis Restoration Center in Changnyeong as a gift from China to South Korea. Another two male crested ibises "Jin Shui" and "Bai Shi" were sent to South Korea in 2013. Years of hard work has seen over 500 offspring of the four crested ibises given birth to in South Korea, of which more than 300 were successfully released into the wild. In 2021, two crested ibis chicks were bred in the wild in South Korea, which is the first time in more than 4 decades that the birth of wild crested ibis was observed in the country. Now a main habitat for c

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SOUTH KOREA-CHANGNYEOUNG COUNTY-CRESTED IBIS

(240524) -- SEOUL, May 24, 2024 (Xinhua) -- A released crested ibis is pictured in Changnyeong, South Korea, May 20, 2024. The crested ibis, which used to be widely distributed in China, Japan, South Korea and other East Asian regions, has become an endangered bird species worldwide, rarely seen in South Korea since the 1980s. In 2008, the crested ibis couple "Yang Zhou" and "Long Ting" arrived and settled down at the Upo Crested Ibis Restoration Center in Changnyeong as a gift from China to South Korea. Another two male crested ibises "Jin Shui" and "Bai Shi" were sent to South Korea in 2013. Years of hard work has seen over 500 offspring of the four crested ibises given birth to in South Korea, of which more than 300 were successfully released into the wild. In 2021, two crested ibis chicks were bred in the wild in South Korea, which is the first time in more than 4 decades that the birth of wild crested ibis was observed in the country. Now a main habitat for crested ibis in South Korea, Changn

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SOUTH KOREA-CHANGNYEOUNG COUNTY-CRESTED IBIS

(240524) -- SEOUL, May 24, 2024 (Xinhua) -- This photo taken on May 20, 2024 shows a nursery room for crested ibis chicks at the Upo Crested Ibis Restoration Center in Changnyeong, South Korea. The crested ibis, which used to be widely distributed in China, Japan, South Korea and other East Asian regions, has become an endangered bird species worldwide, rarely seen in South Korea since the 1980s. In 2008, the crested ibis couple "Yang Zhou" and "Long Ting" arrived and settled down at the Upo Crested Ibis Restoration Center in Changnyeong as a gift from China to South Korea. Another two male crested ibises "Jin Shui" and "Bai Shi" were sent to South Korea in 2013. Years of hard work has seen over 500 offspring of the four crested ibises given birth to in South Korea, of which more than 300 were successfully released into the wild. In 2021, two crested ibis chicks were bred in the wild in South Korea, which is the first time in more than 4 decades that the birth of wild crested ibis was observed in the

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SOUTH KOREA-CHANGNYEOUNG COUNTY-CRESTED IBIS

(240524) -- SEOUL, May 24, 2024 (Xinhua) -- This photo taken on May 21, 2024 shows the Upo Crested Ibis Restoration Center in Changnyeong, South Korea. The crested ibis, which used to be widely distributed in China, Japan, South Korea and other East Asian regions, has become an endangered bird species worldwide, rarely seen in South Korea since the 1980s. In 2008, the crested ibis couple "Yang Zhou" and "Long Ting" arrived and settled down at the Upo Crested Ibis Restoration Center in Changnyeong as a gift from China to South Korea. Another two male crested ibises "Jin Shui" and "Bai Shi" were sent to South Korea in 2013. Years of hard work has seen over 500 offspring of the four crested ibises given birth to in South Korea, of which more than 300 were successfully released into the wild. In 2021, two crested ibis chicks were bred in the wild in South Korea, which is the first time in more than 4 decades that the birth of wild crested ibis was observed in the country. Now a main habitat for creste

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SOUTH KOREA-CHANGNYEOUNG COUNTY-CRESTED IBIS

(240524) -- SEOUL, May 24, 2024 (Xinhua) -- Crested ibis "Long Ting" is pictured at the Upo Crested Ibis Restoration Center in Changnyeong, South Korea, May 20, 2024. The crested ibis, which used to be widely distributed in China, Japan, South Korea and other East Asian regions, has become an endangered bird species worldwide, rarely seen in South Korea since the 1980s. In 2008, the crested ibis couple "Yang Zhou" and "Long Ting" arrived and settled down at the Upo Crested Ibis Restoration Center in Changnyeong as a gift from China to South Korea. Another two male crested ibises "Jin Shui" and "Bai Shi" were sent to South Korea in 2013. Years of hard work has seen over 500 offspring of the four crested ibises given birth to in South Korea, of which more than 300 were successfully released into the wild. In 2021, two crested ibis chicks were bred in the wild in South Korea, which is the first time in more than 4 decades that the birth of wild crested ibis was observed in the country. Now a main hab

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SOUTH KOREA-CHANGNYEOUNG COUNTY-CRESTED IBIS

(240524) -- SEOUL, May 24, 2024 (Xinhua) -- A crested ibis is released into the wild in Changnyeong, South Korea, May 10, 2024. The crested ibis, which used to be widely distributed in China, Japan, South Korea and other East Asian regions, has become an endangered bird species worldwide, rarely seen in South Korea since the 1980s. In 2008, the crested ibis couple "Yang Zhou" and "Long Ting" arrived and settled down at the Upo Crested Ibis Restoration Center in Changnyeong as a gift from China to South Korea. Another two male crested ibises "Jin Shui" and "Bai Shi" were sent to South Korea in 2013. Years of hard work has seen over 500 offspring of the four crested ibises given birth to in South Korea, of which more than 300 were successfully released into the wild. In 2021, two crested ibis chicks were bred in the wild in South Korea, which is the first time in more than 4 decades that the birth of wild crested ibis was observed in the country. Now a main habitat for crested ibis in South Korea, C

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SOUTH KOREA-CHANGNYEOUNG COUNTY-CRESTED IBIS

(240524) -- SEOUL, May 24, 2024 (Xinhua) -- This undated file photo shows a released crested ibis near Changnyeong, South Korea. The crested ibis, which used to be widely distributed in China, Japan, South Korea and other East Asian regions, has become an endangered bird species worldwide, rarely seen in South Korea since the 1980s. In 2008, the crested ibis couple "Yang Zhou" and "Long Ting" arrived and settled down at the Upo Crested Ibis Restoration Center in Changnyeong as a gift from China to South Korea. Another two male crested ibises "Jin Shui" and "Bai Shi" were sent to South Korea in 2013. Years of hard work has seen over 500 offspring of the four crested ibises given birth to in South Korea, of which more than 300 were successfully released into the wild. In 2021, two crested ibis chicks were bred in the wild in South Korea, which is the first time in more than 4 decades that the birth of wild crested ibis was observed in the country. Now a main habitat for crested ibis in South Korea,

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SOUTH KOREA-CHANGNYEOUNG COUNTY-CRESTED IBIS

(240524) -- SEOUL, May 24, 2024 (Xinhua) -- A crested ibis is pictured at the Upo Crested Ibis Restoration Center in Changnyeong, South Korea, May 20, 2024. The crested ibis, which used to be widely distributed in China, Japan, South Korea and other East Asian regions, has become an endangered bird species worldwide, rarely seen in South Korea since the 1980s. In 2008, the crested ibis couple "Yang Zhou" and "Long Ting" arrived and settled down at the Upo Crested Ibis Restoration Center in Changnyeong as a gift from China to South Korea. Another two male crested ibises "Jin Shui" and "Bai Shi" were sent to South Korea in 2013. Years of hard work has seen over 500 offspring of the four crested ibises given birth to in South Korea, of which more than 300 were successfully released into the wild. In 2021, two crested ibis chicks were bred in the wild in South Korea, which is the first time in more than 4 decades that the birth of wild crested ibis was observed in the country. Now a main habitat for c

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SOUTH KOREA-CHANGNYEOUNG COUNTY-CRESTED IBIS

(240524) -- SEOUL, May 24, 2024 (Xinhua) -- Breeder Han Yeong-In observes crested ibises at the Upo Crested Ibis Restoration Center in Changnyeong, South Korea, May 21, 2024. The crested ibis, which used to be widely distributed in China, Japan, South Korea and other East Asian regions, has become an endangered bird species worldwide, rarely seen in South Korea since the 1980s. In 2008, the crested ibis couple "Yang Zhou" and "Long Ting" arrived and settled down at the Upo Crested Ibis Restoration Center in Changnyeong as a gift from China to South Korea. Another two male crested ibises "Jin Shui" and "Bai Shi" were sent to South Korea in 2013. Years of hard work has seen over 500 offspring of the four crested ibises given birth to in South Korea, of which more than 300 were successfully released into the wild. In 2021, two crested ibis chicks were bred in the wild in South Korea, which is the first time in more than 4 decades that the birth of wild crested ibis was observed in the country. Now a

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SOUTH KOREA-CHANGNYEOUNG COUNTY-CRESTED IBIS

(240524) -- SEOUL, May 24, 2024 (Xinhua) -- This photo taken on May 21, 2024 shows a training facility for crested ibis before their release at the Upo Crested Ibis Restoration Center in Changnyeong, South Korea. The crested ibis, which used to be widely distributed in China, Japan, South Korea and other East Asian regions, has become an endangered bird species worldwide, rarely seen in South Korea since the 1980s. In 2008, the crested ibis couple "Yang Zhou" and "Long Ting" arrived and settled down at the Upo Crested Ibis Restoration Center in Changnyeong as a gift from China to South Korea. Another two male crested ibises "Jin Shui" and "Bai Shi" were sent to South Korea in 2013. Years of hard work has seen over 500 offspring of the four crested ibises given birth to in South Korea, of which more than 300 were successfully released into the wild. In 2021, two crested ibis chicks were bred in the wild in South Korea, which is the first time in more than 4 decades that the birth of wild crested ibis w

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SOUTH KOREA-CHANGNYEOUNG COUNTY-CRESTED IBIS

(240524) -- SEOUL, May 24, 2024 (Xinhua) -- A staff member takes care of crested ibis chicks at the Upo Crested Ibis Restoration Center in Changnyeong, South Korea, May 20, 2024. The crested ibis, which used to be widely distributed in China, Japan, South Korea and other East Asian regions, has become an endangered bird species worldwide, rarely seen in South Korea since the 1980s. In 2008, the crested ibis couple "Yang Zhou" and "Long Ting" arrived and settled down at the Upo Crested Ibis Restoration Center in Changnyeong as a gift from China to South Korea. Another two male crested ibises "Jin Shui" and "Bai Shi" were sent to South Korea in 2013. Years of hard work has seen over 500 offspring of the four crested ibises given birth to in South Korea, of which more than 300 were successfully released into the wild. In 2021, two crested ibis chicks were bred in the wild in South Korea, which is the first time in more than 4 decades that the birth of wild crested ibis was observed in the country. No

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SOUTH KOREA-CHANGNYEOUNG COUNTY-CRESTED IBIS

(240524) -- SEOUL, May 24, 2024 (Xinhua) -- A released crested ibis is pictured in Changnyeong, South Korea, May 20, 2024. The crested ibis, which used to be widely distributed in China, Japan, South Korea and other East Asian regions, has become an endangered bird species worldwide, rarely seen in South Korea since the 1980s. In 2008, the crested ibis couple "Yang Zhou" and "Long Ting" arrived and settled down at the Upo Crested Ibis Restoration Center in Changnyeong as a gift from China to South Korea. Another two male crested ibises "Jin Shui" and "Bai Shi" were sent to South Korea in 2013. Years of hard work has seen over 500 offspring of the four crested ibises given birth to in South Korea, of which more than 300 were successfully released into the wild. In 2021, two crested ibis chicks were bred in the wild in South Korea, which is the first time in more than 4 decades that the birth of wild crested ibis was observed in the country. Now a main habitat for crested ibis in South Korea, Changn

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SOUTH KOREA-CHANGNYEOUNG COUNTY-CRESTED IBIS

(240524) -- SEOUL, May 24, 2024 (Xinhua) -- Crested ibis "Jin Shui" (R) is pictured at the Upo Crested Ibis Restoration Center in Changnyeong, South Korea, May 20, 2024. The crested ibis, which used to be widely distributed in China, Japan, South Korea and other East Asian regions, has become an endangered bird species worldwide, rarely seen in South Korea since the 1980s. In 2008, the crested ibis couple "Yang Zhou" and "Long Ting" arrived and settled down at the Upo Crested Ibis Restoration Center in Changnyeong as a gift from China to South Korea. Another two male crested ibises "Jin Shui" and "Bai Shi" were sent to South Korea in 2013. Years of hard work has seen over 500 offspring of the four crested ibises given birth to in South Korea, of which more than 300 were successfully released into the wild. In 2021, two crested ibis chicks were bred in the wild in South Korea, which is the first time in more than 4 decades that the birth of wild crested ibis was observed in the country. Now a main

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SOUTH KOREA-CHANGNYEOUNG COUNTY-CRESTED IBIS

(240524) -- SEOUL, May 24, 2024 (Xinhua) -- This undated file photo shows a released crested ibis near Changnyeong, South Korea. The crested ibis, which used to be widely distributed in China, Japan, South Korea and other East Asian regions, has become an endangered bird species worldwide, rarely seen in South Korea since the 1980s. In 2008, the crested ibis couple "Yang Zhou" and "Long Ting" arrived and settled down at the Upo Crested Ibis Restoration Center in Changnyeong as a gift from China to South Korea. Another two male crested ibises "Jin Shui" and "Bai Shi" were sent to South Korea in 2013. Years of hard work has seen over 500 offspring of the four crested ibises given birth to in South Korea, of which more than 300 were successfully released into the wild. In 2021, two crested ibis chicks were bred in the wild in South Korea, which is the first time in more than 4 decades that the birth of wild crested ibis was observed in the country. Now a main habitat for crested ibis in South Korea,

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Protecting crested ibises in China's Qinling Mountains

STORY: Protecting crested ibises in China's Qinling Mountains DATELINE: May 23, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:21 LOCATION: XI'AN, China CATEGORY: ENVIRONMENT SHOTLIST: 1. various of the Qinling Mountains 2. various of crested ibises and the nature reserve 3. SOUNDBITE 1 (Chinese): GAO JIE, Engineer, Shaanxi Hanzhong Crested Ibis National Nature Reserve 4. SOUNDBITE 2 (Chinese): NIU KESHENG, Head of management bureau, Shaanxi Hanzhong Crested Ibis National Nature Reserve STORYLINE: The crested ibis, with its iconic red crest and long black beak, was thought to be extinct in China until seven wild birds appeared in Yangxian County, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, in 1981. Over the years, Chinese scientists have successfully revived this tiny population to nearly 10,000. Listed as one of the state-level nature reserves, Shaanxi Hanzhong Crested Ibis National Nature Reserve is located in the Qinling Mountains, which is known as China's "gene bank" of wildlife. With the dedication of wildlife conservation workers t

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The return of crested ibises: from endangered to flourishing

STORY: The return of crested ibises: from endangered to flourishing DATELINE: April 28, 2023 LENGTH: 00:03:38 LOCATION: XI'AN, China CATEGORY: ENVIRONMENT SHOTLIST: 1. various of the views of the Qinling Mountains 2. various of the illustrations STORYLINE: A single feather, light as it is, can be a witness to a species' growth from the brink of extinction to a vibrant community. The Qinling Mountains, which bridge China's south and north and known as the country's "central water tower," is home to abundant rare animals and plants, and one of the most biodiverse regions on earth. Every March and April, a large number of crested ibis babies break out of the shells, and make their first cry in a husky but high-pitched tone. Known as the "Oriental gem," crested ibis has an important cultural status in East Asian countries because of its appearance and grace. Crested ibises are monogamous and typically produce only one egg a year, and low fertility rates once pushed the species to the brink of extinction

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CHINA-SHAANXI-HANZHONG-COLE FLOWERS (CN)

(230318) -- HANZHONG, March 18, 2023 (Xinhua) -- This aerial photo taken on March 17, 2023 shows a high-speed train running past cole field with a sculpture of crested ibises on the foreground in Yangxian County of Hanzhong City, northwest China's Shaanxi Province. As the temperature gradually rises, the cole flowers in full bloom have attracted many tourists to Hanzhong. In recent years, the rural revitalization of Hanzhong has been greatly promoted by the development of ecological agriculture and tourism. (Photo by Zou Jingyi/Xinhua)

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Newborn baby takin calf in China's Shaanxi

STORY: Newborn baby takin calf in China's Shaanxi DATELINE: Jan. 30, 2023 LENGTH: 00:00:29 LOCATION: XI'AN, China CATEGORY: SOCIETY SHOTLIST: 1. various of a baby takin STORYLINE: At the beginning of the Lunar New Year, a wildlife rescue base in China's Shaanxi welcomed the first baby takin born there in the Year of the Rabbit. Takins, giant pandas, golden monkeys, and crested ibises are all listed as national first-class protected species. They are the four most representative species in the Qinling Mountains. The Qinling Mountains cover more than 50,000 square km and are known as China's gene bank of wild biology as they house a huge variety of plants and wild animals. Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Xi'an, China. (XHTV)

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Harmonious coexistence between human, nature in E China's Huzhou

STORY: Harmonious coexistence between human, nature in E China's Huzhou DATELINE: Dec. 19, 2022 LENGTH: 00:01:13 LOCATION: HANGZHOU, China CATEGORY: ENVIRONMENT SHOTLIST: 1. various of natural landscape in Huzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province 2. various of people living in harmony with nature in Huzhou 3. various of wildlife 4. various of crested ibises and their habitat in Huzhou STORYLINE: Huzhou City in east China's Zhejiang Province was recognized earlier this month as the International Cooperation Demonstration Zone of Ecological Civilization during the second phase of the 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (COP15) in Montreal, Canada. This means that Huzhou, a lakeside city known for its rich cultural heritage and economic prosperity, has become an international model for systematic protection and utilization of biodiversity. The protection of crested ibises is a highlight in the city's contribution to wildlife conservation. The crested ibi

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Man behind reintroduction of wild crested ibises

NIIGATA, Japan - Photo taken May 23, 2013 in Sado, Niigata Prefecture, shows Kei Osada, who has seen 12 chicks born in the wild leave their nests during his three-year stint as the person in charge of Japan's captive breeding program of the endangered crested ibis. Of the 12, eight chicks born in 2012 were the first wild crested ibises to leave their nests in as many as 38 years in Japan.

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Ibis donation from China up in air amid territorial row

TOKYO, Japan - File photo shows crested ibises in a cage in Shaanxi Province in October 2011. The planned donation of two Chinese crested ibises to Japan is in doubt due to Beijing's reluctance to formalize the deal amid the growing territorial row between the two countries over a chain of Japanese-controlled islands in the East China Sea known in Japan as the Senkakus and in China as Diaoyu, bilateral sources said on Aug. 27, 2012.

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Ibis donation from China up in air amid territorial row

TOKYO, Japan - File photo shows wild crested ibises in Yangxian, Shaanxi Province, in 2010. The planned donation of two Chinese crested ibises to Japan is in doubt due to Beijing's reluctance to formalize the deal amid the growing territorial row between the two countries over a chain of Japanese-controlled islands in the East China Sea known in Japan as the Senkakus and in China as Diaoyu, bilateral sources said on Aug. 27, 2012.

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Young ibises in Sado

SADO, Japan - Two young crested ibises (L) look for food beside one of their parents (R) in a fallow rice paddy in Sado, Niigata Prefecture, on June 1, 2012. The young birds were two of three crested ibis chicks born in late April 2012 to a pair released in March 2011. They are believed to have begun learning to fly in late May 2012, becoming the first crested ibises to do so in the wild in Japan for 38 years. (Pool photo)

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Young ibises in Sado

SADO, Japan - A young crested ibis (L) lands beside one of its parents in a fallow rice paddy in Sado, Niigata Prefecture, on June 1, 2012. The young bird is one of three crested ibis chicks born in late April 2012 to a pair released in March 2011. They are believed to have begun learning to fly in late May 2012, becoming the first crested ibises to do so in the wild in Japan for 38 years. (Pool photo)

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Young ibises in Sado

SADO, Japan - Two young crested ibises spread their wings in a fallow rice paddy in Sado, Niigata Prefecture, on June 1, 2012. The young birds were two of three crested ibis chicks born in late April 2012 to a pair released in March 2011. They are believed to have begun learning to fly in late May 2012, becoming the first crested ibises to do so in the wild in Japan for 38 years. (Pool photo)

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Young ibis flies

SADO, Japan - A young crested ibis flies in Sado, Niigata Prefecture, on May 31, 2012. The bird was one of three crested ibis chicks born in late April 2012 to a 3-year-old male and a 2-year-old female released in March 2011. They are believed to have begun learning to fly between May 25 and 27, 2012, becoming the first crested ibises to do so in the wild for 38 years in Japan. (Pool photo)

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Young ibis on rooftop

SADO, Japan - A young crested ibis is perched on a rooftop in Sado, Niigata Prefecture, on May 31, 2012. The bird was one of three crested ibis chicks born in late April 2012 to a 3-year-old male and a 2-year-old female released in March 2011. The one-month-old birds are believed to have begun learning to fly between May 25 and 27, 2012, becoming the first crested ibises to do so in the wild for 38 years in Japan. (Pool photo)

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Young ibis on tree

SADO, Japan - A young crested ibis stands on a tree branch in Sado, Niigata Prefecture, on May 31, 2012. The bird was one of three crested ibis chicks born in late April 2012 to a 3-year-old male and a 2-year-old female released in March 2011. The one-month-old birds are believed to have begun learning to fly between May 25 and 27, 2012, becoming the first crested ibises to do so in the wild for 38 years in Japan. (Pool photo)

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Young ibis flies

SADO, Japan - A young crested ibis flies in Sado, Niigata Prefecture, on May 31, 2012. The bird was one of three crested ibis chicks born in late April 2012 to a 3-year-old male and a 2-year-old female released in March 2011. They are believed to have begun learning to fly between May 25 and 27, 2012, becoming the first crested ibises to do so in the wild for 38 years in Japan. (Pool photo)

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Young ibis flies

SADO, Japan - A young crested ibis (top) flies in Sado, Niigata Prefecture, on May 31, 2012. The bird was one of three crested ibis chicks born in late April 2012 to a 3-year-old male and a 2-year-old female released in March 2011. They are believed to have begun learning to fly between May 25 and 27, 2012, becoming the first crested ibises to do so in the wild for 38 years in Japan. At bottom is one of its parents. (Pool photo)

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Young ibis flies

SADO, Japan - A young crested ibis flies in Sado, Niigata Prefecture, on May 31, 2012. The bird was one of three crested ibis chicks born in late April 2012 to a 3-year-old male and a 2-year-old female released in March 2011. They are believed to have begun learning to fly between May 25 and 27, 2012, becoming the first crested ibises to do so in the wild for 38 years in Japan. (Pool photo)

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3 E. Asian powers to boost cooperation

BEIJING, China - (From L) South Korean President Lee Myung Bak, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda hold a joint press conference after their meeting in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on May 13, 2012. The leaders agreed to enhance cooperation on North Korea and a trilateral free trade agreement, but their unity was somewhat overshadowed by arrangements over a gift of crested ibises by China. (Pool photo by Kyodo News)

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3 E. Asian powers to boost cooperation

BEIJING, China - (From L) South Korean President Lee Myung Bak, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda hold a joint press conference after their meeting in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on May 13, 2012. The leaders agreed to enhance cooperation on North Korea and a trilateral free trade agreement, but their unity was somewhat overshadowed by arrangements over a gift of crested ibises by China. (Pool photo by Kyodo News)

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3 E. Asian powers to boost cooperation

BEIJING, China - (From L) South Korean President Lee Myung Bak, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda join hands before their meeting in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on May 13, 2012. The leaders agreed to enhance cooperation on North Korea and a trilateral free trade agreement, but their unity was somewhat overshadowed by arrangements over a gift of crested ibises by China. (Pool photo by Kyodo News)

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3 E. Asian powers to boost cooperation

BEIJING, China - (From L) South Korean President Lee Myung Bak, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda head to their meeting in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on May 13, 2012. The leaders agreed to enhance cooperation on North Korea and a trilateral free trade agreement, but their unity was somewhat overshadowed by arrangements over a gift of crested ibises by China. (Pool photo by Kyodo News)

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3 E. Asian powers to boost cooperation

BEIJING, China - (From L) South Korean President Lee Myung Bak, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda join hands before their meeting in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on May 13, 2012. The leaders agreed to enhance cooperation on North Korea and a trilateral free trade agreement, but their unity was somewhat overshadowed by arrangements over a gift of crested ibises by China. (Pool photo by Kyodo News)

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3 E. Asian powers to boost cooperation

BEIJING, China - (From L) South Korean President Lee Myung Bak, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda join hands before their meeting in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on May 13, 2012. The leaders agreed to enhance cooperation on North Korea and a trilateral free trade agreement, but their unity was somewhat overshadowed by arrangements over a gift of crested ibises by China. (Pool photo by Kyodo News)

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Crested ibises on Sado Island

NIIGATA, Japan - A pair of crested ibises are seen incubating in the nest on Sado Island, Niigata Prefecture, on April 20, 2012. (Pool photo)

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Crested ibises transferred

NIIGATA, Japan - Officials at a Japanese crested ibis conservation center on Sado Island in Niigata Prefecture carry a wooden box containing crested ibises on Jan. 21, 2011. Two pairs of the protected birds were sent to another breeding center in Izumo, Shimane Prefecture, to reduce the risk of being infected with diseases as part of efforts to avoid their extinction.

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Crested ibis sanctuary in China

BEIJING, China - A farmer is uses cattle to plow a rice field in a sanctuary for crested ibises in Yangxian, Shaanxi Province, in China, on Dec. 22, 2010. The lives of the ibises, which feed on loaches, frogs and insects in rice paddies, depend on farmers in the sanctuary who refrain from using agricultural chemicals.

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Crested ibis sanctuary in China

BEIJING, China - A flock of wild crested ibises fly to their roost during dusk in Yangxian, Shaanxi Province, in China, on Dec. 21, 2010.

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Crested ibis sanctuary in China

BEIJING, China - A pair of wild crested ibises perch on branches near a farmhouse in Yangxian, Shaanxi Province, in China, on Dec. 22, 2010.

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Crested ibises in China

YANGXIAN, China - A flock of wild crested ibises are seen flying in the early hours after dawn at Yangxian, Shaanxi Province, China, on Dec. 22, 2010. It is uncommon for such a large flock of the rare birds to be captured on camera.

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Crested ibises in China

YANGXIAN, China - A flock of wild crested ibises are seen flying in the early hours after dawn at Yangxian, Shaanxi Province, China, on Dec. 22, 2010. It is uncommon for such a large flock of the rare birds to be captured on camera.

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Crested ibises in Sado, Niigata Pref.

NIIGATA, Japan - A flock of crested ibises rest on perches in a preparation cage in Sado, Niigata Prefecture, on Oct. 22, 2010, before being released into the wild. (Pool photo)

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Crested ibises in Sado, Niigata Pref.

NIIGATA, Japan - Two crested ibises rest on perches in a preparation cage in Sado, Niigata Prefecture, on Oct. 22, 2010, before being released into the wild. (Pool photo)

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Crested ibis on Sado Island

TOKYO, Japan - A pair of crested ibises perch on Sado Island, Niigata Prefecture, on April 30, 2010, the morning after tossing out eggs from their nest.

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Marten responsible for attacks on crested ibises in Sado

NIIGATA, Japan - Environment Ministry officials examine the roof of an enclosure at the Sado Japanese Crested Ibis Conservation Center in Niigata Prefecture on March 11, 2010, a day after nine ibises were found dead and another critically injured. The ministry said it has determined that the birds were attacked by a marten.

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Japan to 'return' 10 crested ibises to China

NIIGATA, Japan - Boxes containing 10 Japanese crested ibises, which were born to three ibises provided by China, are taken to a plane bound for Shanghai at Niigata airport on Nov. 28, 2009. The ibises are being sent to China based on a memorandum of understanding between Tokyo and Beijing that about half of the chicks born to the three ibises from China will be returned to the country.