Introduction
South Korea is home to diverse wildlife, from its mountainous regions to its coastal waters. However, many animals in South Korea have faced extinction, while others are now endangered.
Over the past century, human activities such as hunting, deforestation, industrialization, and habitat destruction have significantly impacted the country’s biodiversity.
Let’s explore some of the extinct animals, the endangered species still fighting for survival, and the ongoing efforts to protect these incredible creatures.
Extinct Animals in South Korea
1. Siberian Tiger (Korean Tiger)
The Siberian tiger (Panthera tigris altaica), often called the Korean tiger, was once a symbol of strength and beauty in Korean culture. These majestic tigers roamed freely across the Korean Peninsula until the early 20th century.
Between 1910 and 1945, during the Japanese occupation, intensive hunting and deforestation led to their extinction in South Korea. This loss is deeply felt, as the tiger holds a significant place in Korean mythology and folklore.
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2. Amur Leopard
The Amur leopard (Panthera pardus orientalis) was another big cat that graced South Korea’s forests. Known for its striking spotted coat and agility, it was hunted to near extinction by the 1970s.
Poaching and deforestation played a large role in their decline, and while a small population survives in neighboring Russia and China, it is critically endangered globally.
3. Gangchi (Sea Lion)
The Gangchi, a sea lion species that once thrived around Dokdo Island, was driven to extinction during the colonial era.
Japanese fishermen heavily hunted these animals for their oil, fur, and meat, leading to their complete disappearance by the mid-20th century.
4. Korean Wolf
Wolves once roamed the forests and mountains of South Korea but were eradicated due to fears of livestock attacks and intensive hunting during the Japanese colonial period. Their absence has left a gap in the region’s ecological balance.
Endangered Animals in South Korea
While some species have vanished forever, others are on the brink of extinction. These animals face significant threats but continue to inspire conservation efforts:
1. Asiatic Black Bear
The Asiatic black bear (Ursus thibetanus), known for its crescent-shaped chest mark, resides in South Korea’s mountainous regions.
Although populations have dwindled, ongoing conservation programs, including reintroduction efforts in protected areas like Jirisan National Park, are helping to stabilize their numbers.
2. Red-crowned Crane
The red-crowned crane (Grus japonensis) is one of the most endangered birds in the world. Known for their striking appearance and symbolic importance in East Asian culture, these cranes migrate to South Korea’s Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) each winter.
The restricted human activity in the DMZ has created an accidental refuge for these elegant birds, offering them a chance to breed and thrive.
3. Amur Goral (Gorani)
The Amur goral (Naemorhedus caudatus), a goat-like animal, inhabits South Korea’s steep, rocky mountains.
While it is endangered globally, South Korea has made efforts to protect its population by enforcing hunting bans and establishing nature reserves.
4. Sang Gwaeng I (Finless Porpoise)
The finless porpoise (Neophocaena asiaeorientalis), a small dolphin-like marine mammal, is found in South Korea's West Sea.
Overfishing, habitat degradation, and marine pollution have caused a sharp decline in their numbers. Conservationists are working to raise awareness and implement measures to protect their habitats.
5. Seoul Pond Frog
The Seoul pond frog (Pelophylax chosenicus), an amphibian species unique to South Korea, faces threats from wetland destruction and pollution. Habitat restoration projects and legal protections are crucial to ensuring its survival.
Conservation Challenges and Efforts
The decline of animals in South Korea underscores the need for proactive conservation efforts. The unintended sanctuary created by the DMZ has provided a glimmer of hope for some species, but this alone is not enough.
Government agencies, non-profits, and local communities are collaborating to:
- Establish protected areas and nature reserves to provide safe habitats.
- Implement stricter hunting and anti-poaching laws.
- Restore wetlands and forests to support species that depend on these ecosystems.
- Educate the public about the importance of biodiversity and conservation.
Sustainable development practices are also being promoted to balance human progress with environmental protection. Additionally, international cooperation plays a role, especially for species like the Amur leopard and the finless porpoise, which cross national borders.
Conclusion
The stories of extinct and endangered animals in South Korea highlight the delicate balance between humans and nature. While the Korean tiger and sea lion are lost forever, there is still hope for species like the Asiatic black bear, red-crowned crane, and finless porpoise. By prioritizing conservation efforts and fostering a culture of environmental responsibility, South Korea can protect its unique wildlife and preserve its natural heritage for future generations.
Image Sources:
https://koreaexpose.com/search-korean-tiger/
https://www.worldwildlife.org/species/amur-leopard
https://en.namu.wiki/w/%EB%B0%94%EB%8B%A4%EC%82%AC%EC%9E%90
https://novum-terram.fandom.com/wiki/Korean_gray_wolf_(SciiFii)
https://iucn.org/news/asia/201905/saving-wild-asiatic-black-bears-korea
https://capronparkzoo.com/animal-collection/birds/red-crowned-cranes/
https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/42315-Naemorhedus-caudatus
https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/nation/2024/12/113_315154.html
https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/66318-Pelophylax-chosenicus
Author: Aaliyah
