Yeongsangang Cheong, Removal and Eradication of Ecosystem-Disrupting Species

The Yeongsangang River Basin Environmental Office is launching efforts to eradicate invasive species such as the American crayfish.

On the 12th, the Yeongsangang Office will conduct joint activities in the Jiseokcheon area of Naju, Jeollanam-do, together with the National Institute of Ecology, Naju City, the Wildlife Management Association, and organizations involved in managing invasive species.

The main targets for removal, the American crayfish and Persicaria perfoliata, cause significant damage to Korea's native ecosystems, making active eradication necessary.

The American crayfish is omnivorous and highly adaptable to the environment, leading to rapid population growth. It acts as a vector for viral diseases and outcompetes native species for food, causing disruption to the ecosystem.

Persicaria perfoliata reproduces rapidly, and areas it covers experience a significant decline in plant species diversity.

Park Yeon-jae, head of the Yeongsangang River Basin Environmental Office, stated, “Due to the strong reproductive ability of invasive species, eradication is not easy. Therefore, we ask for active interest and participation from the local community.”

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