Otter Family Captured on Camera... 15 Live in the Han River

Confirmed in main Han River and tributaries like Tancheon and Jungnangcheon
DNA analysis of otter feces identifies a total of 15 individuals

[Asia Economy Reporter Kiho Sung] Fifteen Eurasian otters, classified as a first-class endangered wild species and designated as Natural Monument No. 330, have been confirmed along the Han River in Seoul, where no official population had been recorded since 1974. After otters were discovered downstream of the Han River tributary in 2016 and four individuals were sighted in 2017, the current population has been confirmed to have significantly increased.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government recently confirmed traces of otter habitation not only in the main stream of the Han River but also in the Tancheon, Jungnangcheon, and Yeouido Saetgang areas. DNA extraction tests from otter feces verified that a total of 15 otters inhabit the Han River area in Seoul, the city announced on the 27th.

Since the completion of the Paldang Dam in 1974, which disrupted otter migration routes, there had been no official records of otters inhabiting the Han River basin in Seoul. However, in 2016, a citizen reported filming an otter swimming downstream of Tancheon in Seoul. In 2017, an unmanned camera survey revealed the presence of four otters. Since then, reports of otter appearances in Seoul have continued through 2020.

In response, the city conducted an academic study titled "Han River Otter Habitat Status and Appropriate Management Measures" over about one year from last year to November this year, in collaboration with the Korea Otter Protection Association, to assess the otter habitat status in Seoul. The city and research team reported confirming otter traces throughout various sections from below the Paldang Dam to Nanji Hangang Park through surveys of otter signs (feces, footprints, etc.), fecal sample collection, and unmanned camera footage.

The unmanned camera survey results showed that otters are most active from dusk until the following morning (18:00 to 08:00). The highest frequency of otter activity traces was found in the Amsa and Godeok Wetland Ecological Parks, where wetland environments are well preserved, and around the Gwangjin Bridge area. Notably, unmanned cameras captured scenes of a family group of five otters, presumed to be a family unit, near the confluence of the lower Tancheon and Seongnaecheon streams.

These recent survey results suggest that designating excellent ecological wetlands along the Han River in Seoul as protected areas has secured healthy habitats. Long-term implementation of 'natural bank restoration projects,' which replace concrete artificial banks with natural materials such as soil, gravel, and rocks, has improved the natural ecosystem of the Han River. Consequently, this has enabled the survival of indicator species like the otter.

According to the Seoul Metropolitan Government and otter experts, rather than reintroducing otters from outside populations, it is more necessary to prioritize habitat restoration strategies such as protecting existing riparian vegetation, removing threats, and restoring otter habitats to promote natural population growth. They report that establishing otter protection strategies focusing on these habitat restoration efforts is essential for the recovery of otters in the Han River in Seoul.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government plans to widely promote the conservation value of Han River otters to citizens and install protective signage in areas where otter appearances are expected, along with efforts to protect otter habitats and reduce threats.

Recently, the diversity of species inhabiting the Han River ecological parks has been increasing, with continuous discoveries of natural monuments (otters, common kestrels, mandarin ducks, etc.) and endangered species (wildcats, black-faced spoonbills, yellow-billed spoonbills, whooper swans, and Korean tree frogs, among others). This increase in species diversity along the Han River is evaluated as a sign that Seoul's natural ecology policies, centered on restoring the naturalness of the Han River, are gradually bearing fruit.

Yoo Young-bong, Director of the Seoul Metropolitan Government’s Green City and Leisure Bureau, stated, “The repeated discovery of otters in the main stream and some tributaries of the Han River is a result of Seoul’s natural ecological management, which pursues harmony between nature and humans.” He added, “We will continue to develop various natural policies to create a healthy Han River ecological axis where people, wildlife, and nature coexist harmoniously.”

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