A crested ibis released from Dongying, a city in East China's Shandong province, has set new national records for all-day and continuous flight, traveling 260 kilometers in 11 hours — much of it over open sea.
The next day, it flew an additional 95 kilometers before returning, covering 355 kilometers in just two days. This journey challenges the previous scientific understanding of the species' flight abilities and offers valuable insights for ongoing research.
The bird is part of a broader reintroduction program launched in 2022. Since then, crested ibises have adapted rapidly to Dongying's environment, with successful breeding, earlier nesting seasons, and the hatching of locally born chicks — indicators of long-term habitat suitability.
These results reflect Dongying's long-term commitment to ecological restoration. The city has restored wetlands, improved water systems, and created linked habitats. Advanced monitoring tools, including satellite tracking and drones, allow scientists to observe migration and health in real time.
Dongying's conservation work focuses on more than just one species. The region now shelters endangered birds like red-crowned cranes and oriental storks, strengthening the entire ecosystem.
The crested ibis's flight is not only a scientific breakthrough but also a symbol of Dongying's growing environmental success. It shows how focused local action can contribute to global biodiversity protection.
A crested ibis forages for food in the wetlands. [Photo by Wangli/WeChat account: dongyingdaily]
