Birds of a feather flock together: countries unite to save crested ibis

International cooperation to protect crested ibises has promoted the birds' conservation and helped to foster China's friendship with other countries and regions, insiders said.

The birds have become another diplomacy highlight for China after the giant panda and attracted much attention from around the world.

Since crested ibises were discovered in Hanzhong's Yangxian county in 1981, they have not only been valued by the Chinese government and wild animal protection groups, but have drawn attention from countries such as Japan and international protection organizations.