Fauna of South Korea

Last updated
Republic of South Korea
Flag of South Korea.svg
Largest citySeoul
ISO 3166 code KR

South Korea, also known as Republic of Korea, is a nation located in East Asia. [1] It is a part of the wider Korean Peninsula, with East, West, and South parts of the nation facing the sea. Numerous wildlife exist on the Korean Peninsula. The characteristics of the wild mammals in Korea is that despite South Korea's small territory, there are many medium and large sized animals. It is natural characteristic that medium and large sized animals require large land and vast amount of food to survive. The characteristic of fauna in South Korea follows the regional aspect that the nation is connected to the wider Eurasian continent, resulting, surviving mammals to also have continental elements. [2]

Contents

History

Wild Boar A young wild boar in his environment.jpg
Wild Boar

Unlike livestock, which have become tamed for at least a few century and have a much different appearance and character to their inhabitants in the wild, wild animals have intrinsic characteristics. People are accustomed to be more familiar to livestock and often know their original form as livestock. But, the difference between the livestock and wild fauna is that livestock evolved in a direction favorable to human, whilst other fauna still consist their wild instinct. To have a clear insight of South Korea's wild fauna, In the case of wolves, unlike dogs that evolved to actively pursue cooperation with humans, they do not show any reliance on humans. The wild version of the pig, the Wild Boar, is larger on average than the pigs used for food, and also has long hair with sharp tusks. [3]

During the Japanese colonial era, vast number of wild fauna were poached leading some of the species to be threaten to potential extinction. [4] Initially, the wild Tiger, which inhabited on the Korean Peninsula was a Siberian tiger species. It was very large in its size and large number existed throughout the nation. However, as part of the Korean annihilation policy of the Joseon Dynasty, Japanese hunters were invited to hunt tigers. It is well known that tigers are originally the culmination of the food chain, yet, during this period of the time nearly 800 were hunted as the Japanese colonial rule, leading the species itself to face potential extinction. Currently, there are only few left close on the border to China.

Again, the Leopard on the Korean Peninsula, which had clear stripes and larger size compared to other general leopards were widely hunted during the Japanese colonial era. Nearly 2000 were hunted, and only few are left in China. Recently, it has been informed that only about a total of 10 leopards are preserved at the zoo.

The wolves that inhabited in the Korean Peninsula were species with their own unique characteristic. It had dark brown hair compared to other wild wolves. Again, about 3,000 of them were hunted by hunters during the same period of time. Unlike other species, the wild wolves existed in Korean Peninsula eventually went extinct in the wild. Restoration effects are currently being undertaken by geneticists.

A fox on the Korean Peninsula belonging to the Red Fox were also widely hunted during the Japanese colonial era. It was hunted at random for the purpose of making luxury goods using their hair. Among Japanese ladies at the time, it was said that products made from Korean fox were fashionable. The wild fox were known to have been extinct for decades, but recently some were found in the wild. A very small number has yet to be found alive in the wild. It is urgently designated as a protected species and is dedicated to the study and conservation of species. However, even now, the few remaining numbers are decreasing due to illegal poaching.

Dokdo was once home to a large group of sea lions. However, as Japanese fishermen started to poach, more than 100,000 number of sea lions were poached. The group of sea lions inhabited here are believed to have been extinct or moved to other places to avoid fishermen.

Ecology

Korea is located between 33 ° and 43 ° N, the eastern end of the Eurasian continent. [5] It is rich in precipitation and has various seasonal climate characteristics. In Korea, there are large proportion of areas occupied by mountains, and mainly mountains are distributed in the north and east part of the nation. Large and gentle rivers flow along west and south, and there are various erosion and sediment terrains along the rivers. On the southern coast, there are many islands and complex coastlines, and a wide tideline appears on the west coast. Dunes and lagoons are developed along the monotonous coastline on the east coast.

The habitat of wild forest has been damaged or cut off every year due to the development of roads and industrial complexes, and the total area of forests of 67,000 m2 is reduced annually by farmland, new city, industrial complex development. [6]

In addition, Korea is expected to suffer sustain warming and increased precipitation due to climate change. Also, frequent and intense extreme climate is expected. It is estimated that after 2071, South Korea will enter the sub-tropical climate, with the exception of some high altitudes in Baekdudaegan. Furthermore, In the forecast of the spatial distribution of precipitation, it is expected that the areas with more than 1,600mm of annual precipitation will increase gradually in Jeju and some parts of the southern coast, and after 2040, in Gangwon, South region of the country and Jeju. [7] This threats changes in the species throughout the biodiversity and result ecosystem disturbance. 18 species of vertebrates, 28 species of invertebrates, 44 species of plants, and 10 species of fungi and algae are mainly expected to be threatened.

Law

There are a total of 10 laws related to protected areas in Korea. Among the 10 laws, the three laws including the Natural Environment Conservation Act, the Marine Environment Management Act, and the Cultural Properties Protection Act provide general provisions for protection of natural environments and cultural properties. [8] It specifies contents about designation of area. The other seven laws contain the management of the designated area as the main contents, and the provisions for the designation and management of the protected area for the object of preservation are stipulated.

Changes in Law
Time of the YearLaw
1911. 04 ~First Wildlife Protection Act
1961.12 ~Introduction of illegal poaching Act
1967. 03 ~Supplementation and restriction of hunting
1983.12 ~Strengthen illegal poaching law

Introduced import and export licensing system

1994. 03 ~Adoption of prohibition of abuse of newly established assistant regulations on management of endangered species on import and export
1997. 08 ~Strengthening wildlife reservoir management system (control of access to breeding area)
1999. 03 ~Abolition of the artificial rearing permit system of wild fauna

Diversity

Species

The number of living species in Korea is estimated to be about 100,000 species. So far, 42,756 species have been recorded. Out of whole, 25,453 species have been recorded in the animal family, which comprises 59.5% of the total recorded species. When divided more specifically, 1,936 species are vertebrates, 102 species are resting animals and 23,415 species are invertebrates. [9]

Korea is a peninsula located in Northeast Asia. Ecologically, Baekdu Mountain Alpine Zone and two large rivers isolate the Korean Peninsula from the continent. The Yalu River in the northwest of the Korean Peninsula and the Tumen River in the northeast play a role in limiting the movement of wildlife from China and Russia. Therefore, the isolation by Tuman and Yalu rivers from the Korean Peninsula shows that the percentage of endemic species of freshwater fish and insects to be high. An endemic species refers to a species of organism that lives only in geographically limited areas or countries, and represents species that live only in that area all over the world. Of the 100,000 species currently identified, approximately 10% are believed to be endemic species in Korea. Four species of mammals, four species of algae, five species of amphibians, one species of reptiles and 59 species are known as endemic species in Korea.

Amongst, 246 species of endangered wildlife (Class I and II), there are 166 animal species. Out of 35,569 species of internationally endangered species (I, II and III), there are 5,659 animal species.31 species of wildlife are prohibited from eating, 479 species of wildlife are prohibited from capturing, 568 species of wild animals are prohibited to be exported and licensed. In the case of marine life, 77 kinds of endangered species living in the marine or coastal area and domestic endemics. [10]

In order to preserve endangered species, the Korean Government has designated certain species as natural monuments.

Habitat

Various climatic changes and complex terrain have also contributed to the emergence of diverse ecosystems, which have led to greater biodiversity. Deciduous broad-leaved forests are present in the northern part whereas subalpine coniferous forests are present in the central part. Temperate evergreen forests are present in the south part as well as in the island areas. Characteristics of such forests have resulted different fauna to survive in different regions. On the northern part of the country, where, deciduous broad-leaved forests are present, shrewmouse, rabbits, wolves, fox, tigers and lynx are mostly present. On the central part of the country where subalpine coniferous forests are present, mole, raccoon and wildcat widely exist. On the southern part of the  country, bats, sea lion, dolphins and seal widely exist.

One of the unique aspect of South Korea's fauna environment is that they have a demilitarized zone. Demilitarized zone has been designated as a 2 km zone (4 km in total) between North and South, centered on the MDL (Military Demarcation Line) since the Korean War. [11] The southern boundary of the Demilitarized Zone is the SLL (Southern Limit Line) and the northern boundary is the NLL (Northern Limit Line). For over 60 years, The area has been strictly forbidden for public activities, preserving natural ecosystems, and attracting attention as Asia's largest protected area.

One of the characteristics of the DMZ is that the wetland ecosystem is well formed. In the region there are a wide variety of wetlands ranging from valley wetlands in the eastern region to lowland wetlands in the western region. [12] This is where many people lived and built rice fields in the past. These places have been left as wetland ecosystems for 60 years after the Korean War. The wetland ecosystem of the DMZ shows how past farmlands and lowlands developed into wetlands. The Han River estuary where the Cheorwon Plain area, Panmunjom area, Imjin river and the Han river meet with the west coast plays an important role as the final destination for the migratory birds. In Cheorwon Plain, more than 3,000 eagles come to spend winter each year.

DMZ has the most biodiversity in Korea in terms of distribution of mammals and algae, which is the peak of the natural ecosystem. The largest number of natural monuments and species of endangered species such as bears, foxes, musk deer and other species are present in this region. The DMZ is well developed with rivers and wetlands, and holds a variety of fish species and abundant populations.

In addition, plant distribution of DMZ is also unique. It is home to a variety of species including endangered wild animals and plants, such as parasitic flowers, winged larks, and plum blossoms. These naturalized plants are mainly dandelion, swine grass, maple leaf swine and evening primrose. [13] In particular, maple leaves and pig grasses originating in North America are threatened by indigenous plant ecosystems. These alien species were estimated to have been handed over to Korea by the US army at the time of the Korean War. Thus, the DMZ has a unique natural ecosystem that can not be seen elsewhere, and is a place of study that shows the process of changing natural ecosystems after the war.

Currently, the DMZ may be better known abroad than in Korea. Increasing number of people come and visit the region. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) have been organizing the DMZ International Environmental Park on both sides of the Korean Peninsula. South Korea is also striving to designate the preservation area of UNESCO Border Biosphere Reserve, to certify UNESCO World Geological Park, and to designate UNESCO World Heritage. [14]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Yellow Sea</span> Sea in northeast Asia between China and Korea

The Yellow Sea, also known as North Sea, is a marginal sea of the Western Pacific Ocean located between mainland China and the Korean Peninsula, and can be considered the northwestern part of the East China Sea.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pantanal</span> Tropical wetland in Brazil, Bolivia and Paraguay

The Pantanal is a natural region encompassing the world's largest tropical wetland area, and the world's largest flooded grasslands. It is located mostly within the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso do Sul, but it extends into Mato Grosso and portions of Bolivia and Paraguay. It sprawls over an area estimated at between 140,000 and 195,000 km2. Various subregional ecosystems exist, each with distinct hydrological, geological, and ecological characteristics; up to 12 of them have been defined.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Corcovado National Park</span> National park in Costa Rica

Corcovado National Park is a National Park on the Osa Peninsula, in Osa Canton, located on the southwestern regions of Costa Rica, which is a part of the Osa Conservation Area. Corcovado National Park was established on October 24, 1975 and occupies an area of 424 square kilometres (164 sq mi). It is currently the largest park in Costa Rica and extends over about a third of the Osa Peninsula.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Environment of South Korea</span> Overview of the environment of South Korea

The environment of South Korea is the natural environment of South Korea, which occupies the southern half of the Korean peninsula. Environment - current issues: air pollution in large cities; water pollution from the discharge of sewage and industrial effluents; acid rain; drift net fishing.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fauna of Azerbaijan</span> Native animals of Azerbaijan

Fauna of Azerbaijan or animal kingdom of Azerbaijan refers to the diversity of various types of animals, which inhabit and populate a defined ground or water area in Azerbaijan.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pleistocene rewilding</span> Ecological practice

Pleistocene rewilding is the advocacy of the reintroduction of extant Pleistocene megafauna, or the close ecological equivalents of extinct megafauna. It is an extension of the conservation practice of rewilding, which aims to restore functioning, self-sustaining ecosystems through practices that may include species reintroductions.

The Korea Federation for Environmental Movements (KFEM) is a non-profit organization in South Korea that focuses on environmentalism.

The environment of Korea is the natural environment of the Korean peninsula. Some environmental conditions are relatively uniform throughout Korea, while others differ by region, and particularly between the peninsula's two countries: North Korea and South Korea.

The Gran Chaco is a plain of about 1.000.000 km2. It covers parts of Bolivia, Paraguay, Brazil and Argentina.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mobile–Tensaw River Delta</span> Large river delta system located in Alabama, USA

The Mobile–Tensaw River Delta is the largest river delta and wetland in Alabama. It encompasses approximately 260,000 acres (110,000 ha) in a 40-by-10-mile area and is the second largest delta in the contiguous United States. This large river delta is approximately 45 miles long and averages 8 miles wide, being 16 miles wide at its widest point. It covers approximately 300 square miles. Of its 260,000 acres, 20,000 acres consist of open water, 10,000 acres of marsh, 70,000 acres of swamp; and more than 85,000 acres of bottomland forest. It drains an area of about 44,000 sq miles, which includes 64% of Alabama and small portions of Georgia and Mississippi.

Bhopal is the capital of Madhya Pradesh state of India.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Salburua</span> Wetland in Vitoria-Gasteiz, Basque Country, Spain

Salburua is a wetland habitat on the eastern outskirts of the city of Vitoria-Gasteiz in the Basque Country in Spain. The area, which is part of the city green belt, contains lakes, meadows and oak groves. It was drained in the 19th century to transform the area into farmland. Restoration work started in 1994 and has reversed this situation and now Salburua is a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance. The Salburua marshes are considered to be "the Basque country's most valuable area of wetland", according to a Fedenatur report for the European Commission in 2004.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Biogeographic classification of India</span>

Biogeographic classification of India is the division of India according to biogeographic characteristics. Biogeography is the study of the distribution of species (biology), organisms, and ecosystems in geographic space and through geological time. India has a rich heritage of natural diversity. India ranks fourth in Asia and tenth in the world amongst the top 17 mega-diverse countries in the world. India harbours nearly 11% of the world's floral diversity comprising over 17500 documented flowering plants, 6200 endemic species, 7500 medicinal plants and 246 globally threatened species in only 2.4% of world's land area. India is also home to four biodiversity hotspots—Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Eastern Himalaya, Indo-Burma region, and the Western Ghats. Hence the importance of biogeographical study of India's natural heritage.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Korean fox</span> Subspecies of carnivore

The Korean fox, also known as the Korean red fox, is a subspecies of red fox that lives on Korean Peninsula, Russia, and Northeast China. It has a body length of 66–68 cm, a tail length of 42–44 cm and a weight of 4.1–5.9 kg.

The wildlife of Korea belongs to the Palearctic realm. Native or endemic species of the Korean Peninsula include Korean hare, Korean water deer, Korean field mouse, Korean brown frog, Korean pine and Korean spruce. The Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) with its forest and natural wetlands is a unique biodiversity spot, which harbours 82 endangered species such as the red-crowned crane, Amur leopard and the Siberian tiger. Overall, DMZ is home to about 70 mammalian species, more than 300 birds and about 3,000 plants.

The wildlife of South Korea includes 8,271 plant species, 18,117 animal species and 3,528 species of fungi and others. 30,000 species are known to exist in South Korea, but it is estimated that there are more than 100,000 species.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Iberá National Park</span> National park in Argentina

Iberá National Park is a national park in Argentina located in the northeast province of Corrientes. The national park adjoins the 5,530 km2 Iberá Provincial Park to the southeast. The national park and provincial park are both within the Iberá Provincial Nature Reserve, a conservation area of 13,245 km2 created in 1982. The combined protected area is the largest in Argentina.

Sri Lanka exhibits a remarkable biological diversity and is considered to be the richest country in Asia in terms of species concentration.

References

  1. ↑ "South Korea | Culture, History, and People". Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved 2019-05-19.
  2. ↑ "야생동물". terms.naver.com (in Korean). Retrieved 2019-05-19.
  3. ↑ "생태적 가치, 세계 속의 대한민국". nationalatlas.ngii.go.kr. Retrieved 2019-05-19.
  4. ↑ "환경부 카드뉴스 - [함께100! 국민이 지킨 역사, 국민이 이끌 나라] 일제가 말살한 동물, 이렇게 살리고 있습니다". me.go.kr. Retrieved 2019-06-08.
  5. ↑ "한국". terms.naver.com (in Korean). Retrieved 2019-05-19.
  6. ↑ "생태계". me.go.kr. Retrieved 2019-06-08.
  7. ↑ "환경부 보도·해명 - 대한민국 자연생태계, 기후변화 앞 '위기'". me.go.kr. Retrieved 2019-06-08.
  8. ↑ "(사)한국동물구조관리협회". karma.or.kr. Retrieved 2019-05-19.
  9. ↑ "생태적 가치, 세계 속의 대한민국". nationalatlas.ngii.go.kr. Retrieved 2019-05-19.
  10. ↑ "생태적 가치, 세계 속의 대한민국". nationalatlas.ngii.go.kr. Retrieved 2019-05-19.
  11. ↑ "비무장지대". terms.naver.com (in Korean). Retrieved 2019-05-19.
  12. ↑ "생태특성". dmz.go.kr (in Korean). Retrieved 2019-06-08.
  13. ↑ "생태특성". dmz.go.kr (in Korean). Retrieved 2019-06-08.
  14. ↑ "생태특성". dmz.go.kr (in Korean). Retrieved 2019-06-08.

Bibliography

This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.