Kin, a female whose age was estimated at 36 years, equivalent to over 100 years for humans, was believed to be the world's oldest crested ibis, known scientifically as "Nipponia Nippon," or Japanese crested ibis.

The bird was found dead at 7:20 am (2220 GMT) at a breeding centre in Sado island, Niigata prefecture, where it had been raised since it was captured in 1968, officials said.

With its death, Japan now has 39 ibises sent from China at a breeding centre which aims to re-establish a viable population in the wild.

Midori, the last male bird which could have perpetuated a fully Japanese bloodline, died in 1995.

"The bird has been symbolic. We lost something very significant," said Takeshi Kobayashi, an official of the prefecture's natural reservation office.

The prefecture is considering a ceremony to honor Kin, which may be stuffed after a postmortem, the official said.

Toki, as the birds are commonly known in Japan, have a distinctive white crest of feathers and a red face with a long, gracefully curving black beak.

The endangered species, designated internationally as a protected bird, was brought to the verge of extinction in Japan due to hunting and environmental changes.

TERRA.WIRE