On the morning of October 14th, the Crested Ibis National Nature Reserve Administration of Hanzhong, Shaanxi province donated seven crested ibis specimens to Northeast Forestry University in a ceremony held at the China (Harbin) Forest Museum.
Known as the “Eastern Jewel”, the crested ibis is a special rare bird and a first-class protected animal that can only be found in China. The national natural reserve administration has devoted themselves to the protection and breeding of crested ibis. In 1981, only seven crested ibis remained, but the number has presently risen to more than 9000 around the world. The protection for the birds has provided a successful example for the saving of endangered species worldwide.
Li Shunlong, Standing Committee of the Party Committee and Vice President of the University, Cao Baojia, researcher of Shaanxi Nature Reserve and Wildlife Management Station, Niu Kesheng, the director of the Administration of Crested Ibis National Nature Reserve in Hanzhong, Shaanxi Province, Ren Dong, the chairman of the board of directors of Beijing Huatu Education Development Co., Ltd. and the dean of the College of Wildlife and Nature Conservation Land, Zou Hongfei, and all the librarians and volunteers of the China (Harbin) Forestry Museum took part in the donation ceremony. The donation ceremony was presided over by Song Yuying, office director of the China (Harbin) Forest Museum.
Niu Kesheng introduced the excellent work made by Shaanxi Hanzhong Crested Ibis National Nature Reserve Administration in the protection of the crested ibis. He said that the donation of seven ibis specimens to NEFU will be helpful in the exchanges and cooperation of wildlife protection, technological innovation, and academic research, thus promoting high quality development in the cause of wildlife protection.
On behalf of the school, Li Shunlong expressed his heartfelt thanks to the Administration of Shaanxi Hanzhong Crested Ibis National Nature Reserve for donating the specimens to the school, and he also expressed his appreciation to Shaanxi Crested Ibis protection work. He emphasized that the school would make full use of the seven specimens of the Crested Ibis, combined with digital and multimedia technology to display the biological and ecological characteristics of the Crested Ibis, tell the story of the rebirth of the Crested Ibis, and continue to write the story of the harmonious coexistence of man and nature, so that the public can know more about the Crested Ibis and continuously enhance the awareness of protecting the Crested Ibis.
This cooperation is strongly supported by the State Forestry and Grassland Bureau and Shaanxi Forestry Bureau. In the future, the university will strengthen exchanges and cooperation with the Administration of Shaanxi Hanzhong Crested Ibis National Nature Reserve in terms of teaching, scientific research, and talent cultivation, and jointly make positive contributions to the promotion of biodiversity conservation and the construction of ecological civilization.
