XI'AN, May 4 (Xinhua) -- A pair of artificially bred red ibis that were among the first batch of 26 released into the wild a year ago in northwest China have successfully produced three chicks.

    The pair began to build their nest on a tall Chinese pine tree near Zhujiazui village in Ningshan County of Shaanxi Province, in February, and the female produced three eggs between March 15 and 19. The chicks hatched about one month later.

    "The successful breeding of red ibis in the wild indicates the end of its endangered status is nearing," said Chang Xiuyun, Shaanxi Wildlife Conservation Association's deputy secretary-general. "It also provides very good experience for the restoration of this species in its historical habitats."

    Thirteen pairs of artificially-bred red ibis, aged two to three years, were released on May 31 last year at Zhaigou village, Ningshan, in an area with a dense populations of loach, eel and fingerlings, typical prey of the red ibis.

    Twelve birds had adapted to the wild, said Zhang Shoucheng, Ningshan Forestry Bureau's director. Six returned to the release base, five have been confirmed dead and three missing.

    Zhang said another batch of red ibis would be released into the wild at the end of May or beginning of June.

    "At this period, the most important thing is the nutrition of the young birds," said Chang. "To solve the problem, we have frequently put food near their habitat to ensure rich food sources."

    Workers have also taken protective measures such as the wrapping part of the tree trunk with plastic cloth to ward off snakes.

    Li Xia, a Ningshan red ibis release base worker, has been closely monitoring the baby red ibis with a telescope. They would be able to leave the nest and fly by themselves in about one month, Li said.

    Red ibis were once widely found in China, Russia and Japan, but have been on the verge of extinction since the 1950s.

    Chinese experts discovered seven wild red ibis in Yangxian County, Shaanxi, in 1981. They were believed to be the only wild red ibis living in the world at that time.

    Through more than 20 years of protection, the number of red ibis in China has surpassed 1,000, including about 550 in the wild.

    As planned, the future releases of artificially bred red ibis will be carried out in other provinces such as Henan and Hubei to help restore the species' historical populations.