Rice Fields and the Crested Ibis

Once widespread across East Asia, the crested ibis (toki) saw its population plummet due to overhunting and habitat loss, bringing the species to the brink of extinction. Hope returned when seven surviving birds were rediscovered in China, sparking a joint conservation effort between Japan and China that continues today. Sado Island became the center of Japan’s revival efforts. It was the final home of Japan‑born wild ibis, and after the species became extinct domestically in 2003, the island succeeded in breeding ibis from birds gifted by China. Through careful reintroduction, the species has now returned to the wild. As of 2024, an estimated 576 crested ibis live on Sado, and their elegant forms can often be seen in rice fields and satoyama landscapes across the island. The best times for observation are early morning, when the birds leave their roosts, and late afternoon, when they return. Guided tours led by local experts are available, offering insights into the ibis’s behavior, conservation history, and the landscapes that support their return.