A rare glossy ibis, classified as a national first-class protected wildlife species, was observed in the Haiwei National Wetland Park, located in Changjiang Li autonomous county, Hainan province, on November 5, 2025. This sighting marks the second recorded appearance of the bird in the region since April 2024, highlighting the area’s ecological significance.
Xue Meili, deputy director of the park’s management center, described the experience as ‘incredibly exciting,’ noting that she spent five hours observing the sub-adult bird. ‘Although there was only one, it was still a rare find,’ she said, adding that she plans to continue monitoring the area for further sightings.
The glossy ibis, known for its distinctive long, curved bill and metallic, copper-green plumage, thrives in shallow wetlands. Once thought to be extinct in China during the 20th century, the species was upgraded to first-class protected status in 2021, reflecting its conservation importance. The park previously recorded a historic high of 13 glossy ibises in April 2024, the largest number ever documented in Hainan.
This latest sighting underscores the ongoing efforts to protect and preserve China’s biodiversity, offering hope for the recovery of endangered species in the region.