The Endangered "Golden Bat" with Vivid Orange Color Also Lives in Chiaksan

Red Bat Characterized by Orange Fur and Wing Membranes
Rare in Gangwon Region Due to Strict Habitat Requirements

The red bat, commonly known as the 'Golden Bat,' has been confirmed to inhabit the area around Chiaksan National Park in Wonju, Gangwon Province.

The red bat, also known as the "Golden Bat," an endangered wild species and a natural monument that has been inhabiting Chiaksan Mountain for 8 years.
[Photo by Korea National Park Service]

On the 4th, the Korea National Park Service confirmed that the red bat, a Class I endangered wild species and Natural Monument No. 452, has used the same habitat in the Chiaksan area for eight years.

In 2015, during the resource survey of Chiaksan National Park, the Service first confirmed the habitat of the red bat and attached plastic ring-shaped bands to monitor habitat usage. Subsequent annual surveys and monitoring verified that the same individual used the same habitat for eight years.

The red bat is characterized by its bright orange-colored fur, wing membranes, and ears.

Although the red bat is distributed nationwide, it is difficult to observe due to its low population, resulting in very limited related research data. The red bat mainly inhabits the Jeonnam and Chungcheong regions (approximately 40 to over 360 individuals) and is rarely found in the Gangwon area.

Until now, it was first discovered in 2014 in Odaesan, followed by sightings in Chiaksan (3 individuals) in 2015, and in Inje County in 2019.

The red bat, also known as the "Golden Bat," an endangered wild species and a natural monument that has been inhabiting Chiaksan Mountain for 8 years.
[Photo by Korea National Park Service]

The red bat chooses locations that meet specific temperature and humidity conditions (ambient temperature 12?15℃, ambient humidity above 95%, etc.) when hibernating for over six months. As a species with strong site fidelity, suitable habitats for the red bat are limited in Gangwon. Therefore, continuous conservation and management are deemed necessary for Chiaksan, where habitation has been confirmed for eight years.

Song Jaeyoung, head of the Ecology Research Department, stated, "This study provided an opportunity to reaffirm the value of national park designation," adding, "We will strive to secure ecological information on the red bat and propose effective protection and management measures."

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