This article details a successful conservation and captive-breeding program for the crested ibis (Toki) in Japan, involving international cooperation with China. For UPSC prelims, it can be a current affairs question on species in news or conservation efforts. For mains, it touches on environment (biodiversity conservation, captive breeding), international relations (China-Japan cooperation), and disaster recovery. It is a good example of how extinct species can be reintroduced through coordinated efforts.
Key Takeaways
- 1
Eight crested ibises were released into the wild in Hakui city, Noto region, Japan on May 31, 2026.
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The last native Japanese crested ibis died in 2003 on Sado Island; the species had gone extinct in Japan due to overhunting and environmental degradation.
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Artificial breeding began in 1999 using a pair donated from China, leading to the first Japanese crested ibis chick born in captivity.
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The population on Sado Island has recovered to around 500 after initial releases in 2008.