Gochang-gun Captures Endangered Wildlife Such as Martens and Otters

Published 23 Jul.2021 09:37(KST)

[Gochang=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Jaegil] Endangered wildlife such as the yellow-throated marten, leopard cat, and otter have been repeatedly discovered in Ungok Wetland in Gochang-gun, Jeonbuk.

According to the county on the 23rd, endangered wildlife have been continuously captured on sensor cameras in Ungok Wetland, managed by the Jeonbuk Regional Environmental Office.

The released footage vividly shows a yellow-throated marten carrying prey and quickly leaving the area.

The yellow-throated marten is classified as a second-class endangered species and is known as the top predator in South Korea, where tigers have disappeared.

In particular, the appearance of the yellow-throated marten holds great significance as it confirms the biodiversity and ecological stability of Ungok Wetland.

Additionally, various mammals such as otters (first-class endangered wildlife and Natural Monument No. 330), leopard cats (second-class endangered wildlife), and wild rabbits were also captured moving on camera.

Ungok Ramsar Wetland in Gochang-gun, covering a total area of 1,797㎢ (about 550,000 pyeong), is home to over 500 species of plants and more than 360 species of insects and animals, making it very rare for such a scale of biodiversity to inhabit a single area in Korea.

The county plans to collaborate with the Jeonbuk Regional Environmental Office to promote the biodiversity of Ungok Wetland using the related footage and produce and distribute videos to raise awareness of its ecological value.

Lee Seongsu, head of the Ecological Environment Division, said, “Ungok Wetland is an important resource that not only maintains biodiversity but also contributes to carbon neutrality as a carbon sink. We will continue education and promotion efforts to preserve Ungok Wetland well.”