National Institute of Forest Science: Restoration of Endangered "Korean Fir" Succeeds with 96% Survival Rate

The possibility of restoring the endangered Korean fir has opened up.

The National Institute of Forest Science announced on May 26 that, in collaboration with the Muju National Forest Management Office, it has promoted the establishment of an ex situ conservation center for Korean fir and achieved a 96% survival rate (initial establishment success) for Korean fir saplings.

A sapling of Korean fir restored at the Muju-gun Korean fir ex situ conservation center. Provided by the National Institute of Forest Science

The Korean fir is an endemic tree species that grows only in the high mountain regions south of central Korea. Recently, due to the effects of climate change, the rate of decline in its natural habitats has accelerated, leading the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) to designate it as an endangered species.

With its designation as an endangered species, there has been a need for practical conservation and restoration measures, as well as scientific research, for the Korean fir.

In response, the National Institute of Forest Science established an ex situ conservation center in the Muju-gun area in 2022, planting 1,591 trees. The institute also analyzed the DNA of all Korean fir saplings and implemented a "DNA optimal placement method," in which genetically similar individuals are planted far apart. Through these efforts, they created a supply base for restoration materials capable of producing Korean fir seeds.

Furthermore, after three years of monitoring at the ex situ conservation center, the survival rate of Korean fir planted there reached 96%. In particular, by the third year, the growth volume was ten times greater than in the first year, indicating successful cultivation. This outcome is attributed to the selection of suitable sites, the use of healthy saplings, and systematic management.

Lim Hyo-in, a researcher at the Center for Restoration of Genetic Diversity in Alpine Conifers, said, "We will do our utmost to ensure that the Muju-gun ex situ conservation center serves as a stable source of restoration materials even under future climate and environmental changes through thorough monitoring and management."

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