“东方宝石”——朱鹮

RESTED IBIS-ORIENTAL GEM

朱鹮是世界珍稀极危鸟类之一。飞翔时,翼羽、尾羽、喙尖和脚爪的朱红色明亮绚丽,十分耀眼;站立时,通体洁白如玉,鸟喙弯曲、细长,乌黑,整个形象显得超尘脱俗,有“东方宝石”之誉。据考证,本世纪30年代中期,德国鸟类专家首先在日本发现美丽的朱鹮仙子。至50年代前,它还广泛分布于中国、日本、朝鲜半岛,俄罗斯等东亚地区。

Crested ibis is one of the extremely endangered rare birds in the world, which used to be distributed throughout East Asia. Its body is as white as polished jade, its pitch-black beak is long and curved. When it spreads its wings and tail in flight, one can see the bright red color on the wings and tail, its face, beak tip and claws. So it is reputed to be named Oriental Gem. Since 1970s, crested ibis has successively become extinct in Russia and Korea Peninsula. Only one has survived in Japan. However, 7 wild crested ibises were discovered in Yangxian County, Shaanxi Province in 1981. Since then, some protection, observation and raising centers have been set up. As a result, the total number hasincreased to 130 of thebirds including 60 of them in wild populations. In the beginning of this year, President Jiang Zemin on behalf of the Chinese people presented to Japan 2 crested ibises named You You and Yang Yang. The two lovely birds have already settled down in Japan.