The Current Population and Distribution of Wild Crested Ibis Nipponia nippon

With the 30-years conservation efforts,the wild population of Crested Ibis Nipponia nippon has been increased and the distribution has been expanded to more than ten counties around Yang County of Shaanxi Province in China. However,it is difficult to investigate the exact population size and distribution status of the wild Crested Ibis,although these data were important and needed to conservation and management. From September to October,2012,an integrative survey was conducted on the population size and distribution of wild Crested Ibis. Total of 23 roosting sites were located in 11 counties by field surveying,known sites visiting,community interview and information feedback. A 3-day simultaneous survey was conducted at the 23 roosting sites from 17 th to 19 th October,2012 to count the flocking size in each site. Twenty of 23 roosting sites wereused by 1 090 individuals of Crested Ibis and 97. 2% of them were found in 16 roosting sites that located in Yangxian County. Three roosting sites occurred in Ningshan County,and one in Chenggu County. More than 40 ibises were counted in 11 roosting sites among those used and the largest roosting population was with 184 individuals,which accounted for 91. 7% of the total wild population size( Table 1,Fig. 1). Among the ibis found in the roosting sites,19. 0% of them were fledglings,which indicated 67. 2% of the fledglings could survive to the autumn. To improve the conservation for the new expanded areas of ibis will benefit the wild population dispersal and decrease the survival threats for this endangered species.