China has released 20 crested ibises into the wild in northwest China’s Gansu Province, marking the country’s westernmost and highest-altitude release of the endangered species to date.

The birds were released Sunday, September 20, in the Xiaolongshan forest area, where mountains, streams, wetlands and forests provide a suitable habitat. The site is more than 1,500 metres above sea level, paving the way for the establishment of a high-altitude population.

The ibises were bred at an ecological park in Tianshui, where the captive population has grown from 20 birds introduced in 2023 to 50.

The release followed health and ability checks, with birds assessed for flight, foraging and predator-avoidance skills. They underwent more than 20 days of acclimatisation before release, with food gradually reduced inside their enclosure and feeding stations placed outside.

A monitoring team will track the birds around the clock as conservationists work towards establishing a self-sustaining population in the region.