Eight crested ibises were released in a north-central Japanese town, marking a significant step in the conservation of the species. These birds, once extinct in Japan, took flight from their wooden cages during a ceremony in Hakui city, located in the Noto region. The last sighting of these birds in the wild was in this very region.

During the ceremony, residents celebrated as Crown Prince Akishino, his wife Kiko, and other officials released the birds by cutting a ribbon around the cages. These ibises were raised at a conservation center on Sado Island in Niigata Prefecture, as part of a successful captive breeding initiative. An additional ten birds are scheduled for future release.

The crested ibis, known as Toki in Japan, is indigenous to East Asia. They are admired for their distinctive orange-pink wing hues and vibrant red eye markings. The population on Honshu, Japan’s main island, became extinct in the 1970s due to overhunting and environmental degradation. The last native Japanese ibis died in 2003 on Sado Island. However, through China’s assistance in breeding efforts, the species began to recover.

In 1999, the first Japanese crested ibis chick was successfully bred in captivity from a pair donated by China. This achievement was a turning point for the species’ conservation. The Environment Ministry notes that the breeding program has effectively bolstered the population. In 2008, ten crested ibises were released on Sado Island, leading to a population increase of around 500 birds today.

The recent release of ibises in the Noto region is seen as hopeful, particularly as the area recovers from the severe 2024 earthquake. This event highlights the successful collaboration and dedication to preserving an integral part of Japan’s natural heritage.