Yeongsangang Regional Environmental Office Releases Endangered Species 'Aegippulsodongguri' into the Wild

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Yoon Jamin] The Yeongsangang River Basin Environmental Office (Director Ryu Yeon-gi) is releasing the endangered species "Aegippulsodongguri" into the wild.

On the 15th, the Yeongsangang Environmental Office announced that, together with the Jeju Technopark Biodiversity Research Institute and Jeju Special Self-Governing Province, it will release the endangered level II species Aegippulsodongguri in the Seogwipo area of Jeju on the 16th.

The "Aegippulsodongguri" is an endangered wild species level II dung beetle insect with elytra that have thin vertical grooves. It digs burrows under the dung of livestock such as cows or horses, then transports the dung to feed or lay eggs.

Recently, due to the reduction of pastures suitable for Aegippulsodongguri habitat and changes in the environment caused by preservatives in artificial feed, antibiotics, and insecticides used in livestock farming, it has been classified as an endangered species that is rarely seen nowadays.

In this event, some of the 300 individuals successfully artificially bred by the Jeju Technopark Biodiversity Research Institute will be released first, and the remaining individuals will be released unofficially to prevent illegal poaching.

The Biodiversity Research Institute was designated as an "Ex-situ Conservation Institution" by the Ministry of Environment in 2011 and has been continuously promoting population restoration projects for species such as water scorpions, Aegippulsodongguri, and the two-spotted stag beetle in cooperation with the Yeongsangang River Basin Environmental Office and Jeju Special Self-Governing Province.

Ryu Yeon-gi, Director of the Yeongsangang River Basin Environmental Office, said, "Originally, we planned to hold promotional and educational events inviting elementary school students and residents, but it is very regrettable that it will be held on a small scale due to COVID-19," and added, "We will strive to make such opportunities to inform local residents about domestic endangered species every year."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.