Twelve crested ibises were recently released into the wild along the Hanjiang River in Hanzhong, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, following nearly two years of rescue and rehabilitation efforts made by the Crested Ibis Artificial Breeding Center under the Hanzhong Crested Ibis National Nature Reserve.
The birds had all undergone medical treatment and were confirmed capable of surviving independently in the wild, according to the center.
The group consists of three adults, three sub-adults, and six chicks, a population structure that the center believes enhances the species' survival chances, as the older birds can help the younger ones adapt more quickly to natural conditions.
"We've fitted two of the birds with GPS trackers, which will allow us to monitor their movements and activities in the wild, so that we can ensure their safety," said Gao Jie, director of the breeding center.
Thanks to the country's more than four decades of conservation efforts, the population of the rare birds, under the national first-level protection, has grown from just seven individuals discovered in 1981 to over 10,000 today.
Their wild habitat has also expanded dramatically, from under five square kilometers to more than 16,000 square kilometers.
Northwest China releases 12 rare crested ibises back into wild
The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.
In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.
"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.
Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.
The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."
Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.
President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.
Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.
Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.
The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.
Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests
