Japan Returns Rare Ibis​ to China, Aiming to Improve Relations

Release date:‍ 2024-11-01 19:03

Guangdong

Japan has returned a rare bird, the​ ibis, to⁣ China ‌for the​ first time in eight years, in⁤ a ​move aimed ⁤at improving relations between the two countries.

16​ ibises born in Sado City,‌ Niigashi ⁢Prefecture, Japan,‌ including 7 males ⁣and 9 females, were flown to Beijing by plane and will ‍be received​ by the Beijing ⁣Zoo.

Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Hayashi⁣ Masaru stated that the ibis is a symbol of friendship between Japan ‌and China, and he hopes that both sides will continue to promote cooperation in ibis protection to improve relations between the ‍two countries.

This is the first time in 8 years since 2016 that Japan has returned ‍the ibis to China, which was previously delayed due to ⁤the ⁣COVID-19 epidemic and transportation costs.

The ‍Significance ⁣of ⁢the ⁢Ibis in China and ​Japan

The ibis⁤ is known as the “auspicious bird” in China, symbolizing happiness and⁢ auspiciousness. It is also commonly ⁤known as ‍the peach blossom bird in ‌Japan.

Once widely distributed in Northeast Asia, the number of ibises gradually decreased and has become ‍extinct in Japan.

Conservation Efforts

China⁣ donated a pair of ibises to‍ Japan in 1999, and they successfully bred offspring. Japan then continued ⁢to introduce ibises from China.

As of the⁤ end of last year, ⁣the number of wild ibises in Japan was estimated⁢ at 532, while there were about 160‌ in captivity.

According to the memorandum signed between China and Japan, Japan must return half of the artificially bred ibises to China.