Sightings of Glossy Ibis After 15-Year Absence in Hengshui Lake Reserve

In a remarkable turn of events, the glossy ibis, recognized as a first-class protected species in China, has made its return to Hengshui Lake National Nature Reserve in Hebei province, after being absent for a decade and a half. According to local officials, the species had not been seen in China for years until it was rediscovered in Chengdu, Sichuan province, back in January 2009. Subsequently, in May 2010, researchers from Hengshui University documented a solitary glossy ibis at the same reserve.

Recently, a local bird photographer captured images of another glossy ibis, which was observed engaging in its natural behaviors, such as probing for food in the mud with its curved bill and occasionally preening. The glossy ibis is known to inhabit warm lakes, rivers, and marshes, often seen foraging alongside ibises and herons, consuming a variety of aquatic life including insects, larvae, shrimp, and shellfish.

This particular species has specific habitat requirements, making its reappearance after a 15-year hiatus notable. An official from the local resource protection bureau emphasized that the comeback of the glossy ibis not only increases the biodiversity of the reserve but also indicates the positive changes in the ecological environment of the lake and the success of ongoing conservation strategies. Hengshui Lake National Nature Reserve is situated on a vital migratory pathway for birds in East Asia and Australasia, serving as one of the remaining pristine wetlands in the North China Plain. Recent restoration and protection efforts have turned it into an essential location for migratory, wintering, and breeding birds. So far, 336 bird species have been identified in the reserve, 21 of which enjoy national first-class protection.