Japan Releases 8 Crested Ibises in Noto 23 Years After Native Bird Died
Updated
Updated · The Associated Press · Jun 1
Japan Releases 8 Crested Ibises in Noto 23 Years After Native Bird Died
10 articles · Updated · The Associated Press · Jun 1
Eight crested ibises were released Sunday in Hakui, marking their return to Japan’s Noto region decades after the species vanished from the country.
The birds came from a Sado Island conservation center, where captive breeding revived the population after overhunting and environmental degradation drove the ibis extinct in Japan.
China-backed breeding efforts began turning the species around in 1999, and a 2008 release on Sado has since helped build a wild population of about 500; 10 more birds are awaiting release.
Hakui was the last place in Noto where the birds were seen in the wild, and the release is also being viewed as a hopeful sign for a region still recovering from the deadly 2024 earthquake.
With Sado Island's ibis population facing limits, can Japan's main island truly support the species' long-term survival?
From seven wild birds to 12,000, what is the secret behind China's stunning success in reviving the crested ibis?
From Extinction to Revival: Japan’s 2026 Crested Ibis Release in Noto and the Path to 1,000 Wild Birds
Overview
On May 31, 2026, Japanese crested ibises were released into the wild in Noto, Ishikawa Prefecture, marking the first event of its kind on Honshu. This historic release is both a conservation triumph and a symbol of hope for the earthquake-stricken region. The ceremony, attended by Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko, highlighted the national importance and royal support for the project. The initiative aims to re-establish a wild population of these iconic birds, once extinct in Japan, and stands as a beacon of recovery and resilience for the local community.