Hanzhong Crested Ibis National Nature Reserve

Crested ibis (Plegadis falcinellus) in the Nature Reserve

Hanzhong Plegadis Falcinellus National Natural Reserve, which covers a total area of 37,549 hectares, is located in Hanzhong Area. At the bank of Hanjiang River, it extends across Yangxian County and Chenggu County with its main body in Yangxian County. Its major protection objective is Plegadis falcinellus and its habitat. That is the first time to name a national reserve with the name of a bird in China. In May 1981, Chinese scientist found Plegadis falcinellus, which has been deemed dying out, in Yangxian County, Shaanxi at the southern foot of Qinling. Through the untiring 28-year protection, the number of wild Plegadis falcinellus has increased to over 500 from 7, and the distribution area also spread to all 11 counties of Hanzhong Area from a small village. Simultaneously, the number of captive-bred Plegadis falcinellus also came to 512, which makes the total number of Plegadis falcinellus came to over 1,000. The local residents who paid high price for the protection of Plegadis falcinellus should not be forgotten when people are elated for the great breakthrough of the protection of Plegadis falcinellus. In order to protect the habitat of wild Plegadis falcinellus, the local Yangxian County government specified that chemical fertilizer and pesticide are not allowed to be used in the habitat of wild Plegadis falcinellus, and the government also limits the development of modern industry. Although Yangxian County owns the reputation of “Hometown of Plegadis falcinellus”, it paid high price in local economy. To people’s relief, Plegadis falcinellus could be seen around the old county town. The old land flowing with milk and honey which is famous for black rice and fragrant rice now shoots to fame due to Plegadis falcinellus.

TIPS:

Address: Huayang Town, Yangxian County, Hanzhong

Ticket for Crested Ibis Scenic Spot: CNY 40

Crested ibis (Plegadis falcinellus)—Oriental Gemstone