Crested Ibis (Courtesy WWF)
Planeta Azul » JAPAN, CHINA MAY JOIN HANDS TO RESCUE CRESTED IBIS
“Our birds don’t know how to do anything,” he added.
Japan was set to receive several birds from China some two years ago, but concerns about bird flu intervened.
With its ungainly body, short legs and long, drooping bill, the ibis may not appear the most instantly appealing of birds, but it holds a sentimental place in Japanese hearts.
The crested ibis, scientifically known as Nipponia Nippon, once inhabited lakes and wetlands throughout Japan, but extensive development and the use of agricultural chemicals wiped it out. By 1981 there were no more of the birds in the wild in Japan.
Top government spokesman Yasuhisa Shiozaki told a news conference he hadn’t heard of a formal decision on the birds, but hailed the joint ibis-saving efforts.
“This is one good way of furthering friendship and cooperation between Japan and China,” he added.
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