A groundbreaking exhibition showcasing the joint conservation efforts of Mainland China and Taiwan to protect the critically endangered Chinese crested tern has opened at the Taiwan Guide Hall in Fuzhou, Fujian province. The event, which commenced last weekend, highlights the remarkable collaboration across the Taiwan Strait in safeguarding this rare species. The Chinese crested tern, once thought to be extinct from 1937 to 2000, is now recognized as critically endangered by the IUCN Red List, with an estimated global population of merely 200 individuals. Known for its elusive nature, the bird has earned the moniker ‘mythical bird’. The exhibition underscores the importance of cross-border cooperation in biodiversity conservation and raises awareness about the urgent need to protect this fragile species. By bringing together experts, conservationists, and the public, the event serves as a testament to the shared commitment to environmental preservation across the Strait.
