'Oriental gem' a jewel in nation's conservation crown

British conservationist Terry Townshend jumped at the chance to return to Yangxian county, Shaanxi province, dubbed the "hometown of the crested ibis".

He described his trip as a great honor, as not only did he get the chance to see these majestic birds once again, he was also able to visit a prominent figure whose name has become synonymous with this species, which is still endangered.

Sunday marked the 40th anniversary of the rediscovery of the crested ibis.

Townshend, who has a particular interest in birds, has lived and worked in China for more than 10 years.

Invited to make the trip by Xinhua News Agency's China Chat show, he met with 85-year-old veteran ornithologist Liu Yinzeng, widely known and respected for his rediscovery of the crested ibis 40 years ago.