Crested Ibises Return to Mainland Japan for First Time in 56 Years

Hakui: Eight crested ibises were released into the wild in Hakui city, Ishikawa Prefecture, on Sunday, marking the first time the birds have flown over mainland Japan in 56 years.

The release ceremony was led by Crown Prince Akishino, Crown Princess Kiko, and other officials. The birds, raised at a conservation center on Sado Island in neighboring Niigata Prefecture, are part of a captive-breeding program. Ten more ibises are set to be released later.

Known locally as “Toki,” the birds are identified by white feathers, orange-pink hues beneath their wings, and bright red markings around their eyes. Hakui City, in the Noto region, was the last place on Honshu where the species was seen in the wild.

The last wild crested ibis on Japan’s main island was captured in 1970. The species declined due to overhunting and environmental degradation. The final native Japanese crested ibis died in 2003 on Sado Island.

The recovery began in 1999 when China donated a pair of ibises to Japan. According to the Environment Ministry, that pair produced the first crested ibis chick born in captivity in the country.

The crested ibis is designated a natural treasure in Japan.