Twenty crested ibises were released recently in Xiaolong Mountains Forestry Protection Center in Gansu province, marking the next phase of the province's efforts to rebuild populations of endangered species in the wild. Prior to their release, the birds underwent strict rewilding training and health checks, and were fitted with identification tags. "The release marks a new stage in Gansu's crested ibis conservation, as it moves from captive breeding to the reconstruction of wild populations. It is of milestone significance for expanding the species' distribution, increasing population genetic diversity and improving the crested ibis conservation network in Northwest China," said Wan Ziming, deputy director-general of wildlife conservation department, the National Forestry and Grassland Administration.