2 crested ibises released into wild in central Japan found dead

Kanazawa, Japan reported that two crested ibises, designated as natural treasures, were found deceased after their release on the Noto Peninsula earlier this month. Ishikawa Prefecture indicated that the birds, a 2-year-old and a 13-year-old male, likely fell victim to wild animals, but the cause of death remains unclear due to the severe damage to their bodies.

The GPS trackers showed the birds stopped moving on Sunday and Monday, respectively. Their bodies were discovered near the foothills in Nanao and on farmland in Nakanoto following searches by prefectural and municipal workers. Crested ibises were reintroduced to Japan's main island on the Noto Peninsula for the first time in decades in May.

A further batch was released on October 7, with no abnormalities reported among the 25 remaining birds in the area. The Environment Ministry intends to expand the habitat of crested ibises beyond Sado Island, where conservation efforts have been ongoing for years.