China says it has resettled as many as 250 rare ibis atop a remote mountain, seeking to protect the endangered birds from the avian flu.

Forestry officials say the best protection is to maintain a suitable distance between them and villages and other poultry or animals.

The ibis have been living in a wildlife care center in Xi'an, capital of northwest China's Shaanxi Province but they were moved after bird flu was detected in poultry in the region.

There are only about 500 ibis in China.

(CRI February 11, 2004)