Gochang County Selects Endangered Migratory Bird "Oriental Stork" as Bird of the Month

"Protecting Rare Migratory Birds
and Preserving the Tidal Flat Ecosystem"

Gochang County in North Jeolla Province has designated the Oriental Stork (scientific name: Ciconia boyciana), an endangered migratory bird, as the "Gochang Tidal Flat Bird of the Month" for November. The county continues its campaign to raise awareness about the importance of protecting rare migratory birds and preserving the tidal flat ecosystem.

Poster of the Stork, Gochang's Bird of the Month. Provided by Gochang County

According to the county on November 3, the Oriental Stork is a large bird distributed throughout East Asia. It is an internationally protected species, classified as a Class I endangered wild animal and designated as Natural Monument No. 199 in Korea.

The stork is characterized by its large body-standing over one meter tall-with red legs, a black beak, and white feathers. As a top predator in the tidal flat ecosystem, it plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance of the food chain by feeding on fish and crustaceans. The presence of the stork itself is considered an indicator of a healthy tidal flat ecosystem.

The Oriental Stork mainly breeds in regions such as Siberia and migrates to wetlands, rice paddies, and tidal flats in Korea and Southeast Asia during the winter. During its migration, the Gochang tidal flat serves as an important stopover, providing abundant food and a safe resting place.

Although the species once became extinct in Korea after the last wild breeding male was killed by hunting in 1971, restoration efforts by the government and related organizations have led to the gradual expansion of its habitat as storks released in various parts of the country establish new territories. The county is carrying out a variety of conservation activities to support the stork's habitat.

Choi Soonpil, Director of the World Heritage Division of Gochang County, stated, "The Oriental Stork is important evidence that the Gochang tidal flat maintains a healthy ecosystem. We will continue to do our utmost to protect endangered migratory birds and preserve the ecological value of the Gochang Tidal Flat, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site."

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