Nipponia nippon historically nested in the Russian Far East, Japan, and China, and was a non-breeding visitor to North Korea, South Korea and Taiwan (China), but is now extinct in almost all of its former range. The only known remaining population is in Shaanxi province in central mainland China, where it is a localised breeder. In 1981 only seven birds (four adults and three chicks) were known in the wild. By June 2002, the wild population was maintaining a steady increase and numbered 140 birds, and the captive population (in two breeding centres) was over 130 birds. The most recent population estimate is of c. 500 wild individuals in 2006², but it is unclear whether this yet comprises 250 or more mature individuals. Reproductive success is currently quite high⁴, both in the wild and captivity, and there are plans to begin reintroduction of birds to Sado Island, Japan, in 2008³.