[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bo-kyung] The Ministry of Environment will revise and implement the 'Ecosystem Disturbing Species Designation Notice' on the 30th by adding five new ecosystem disturbing species.
The five additional ecosystem disturbing species are the River Cooter, Chinese Striped Neck Turtle, Brown-winged Cicada, American Lanternfly, and Garlic Mustard. Ecosystem disturbing species refer to species designated and announced by the Minister of Environment based on ecosystem risk assessments, which are judged to pose significant harm to ecosystems.
The five newly added ecosystem disturbing species received a Grade 1 rating in the ecosystem risk assessment conducted by the National Institute of Ecology.
The specific reasons for designating these five species as ecosystem disturbing species are as follows.
The turtles, River Cooter and Chinese Striped Neck Turtle, were imported to replace the representative ecosystem disturbing species, the Red-eared Slider, and were bred as pets. They have been released or abandoned in rivers and ecological parks, and are confirmed to be widely distributed nationwide. Due to their long lifespan and high survival ability, there is a high risk of competition with native species such as the Korean pond turtle (Namsaengi) and the Chinese softshell turtle (Jara) for habitats. In particular, the Chinese Striped Neck Turtle is known to form hybrids with the Korean pond turtle.
The insects, Brown-winged Cicada and American Lanternfly, are one-year insects that overwinter as eggs and live on host plants as adults before laying eggs. They are confirmed to be widely distributed nationwide. They are known pests that damage fruit trees, crops, and street trees. Especially, the American Lanternfly secretes sticky substances that can cause sooty mold on plant leaves and stems.
Garlic Mustard, belonging to the Brassicaceae family, is an annual or biennial plant with a garlic scent, and is confirmed to form colonies along roadsides in Samcheok-si, Gangwon Province. It grows rapidly and covers surrounding vegetation, inhibiting the growth of other plants, thus posing a significant threat to domestic biodiversity and requiring prompt removal.
Once designated as ecosystem disturbing species, import, introduction, breeding, cultivation, transfer, receipt, storage, transport, or distribution are prohibited unless permitted by the local (watershed) environmental office for purposes such as academic research, education, exhibition, or consumption. Illegal importation or other violations may result in imprisonment of up to two years or fines of up to 20 million KRW.
For the two species, River Cooter and Chinese Striped Neck Turtle, those breeding or cultivating them must comply with breeding and cultivation requirements during a six-month grace period starting from the 30th to prevent their release into natural ecosystems. After six months, permission from the local (watershed) environmental office is required to continue breeding or cultivation.
Regarding ecosystem disturbing species, regulations require necessary measures such as control to reduce harm to ecosystems, and local governments can actively receive national subsidies for eradication projects.
Park Yeon-jae, Director of Natural Conservation Policy at the Ministry of Environment, stated, "We will continuously designate additional ecosystem disturbing species that disrupt or may disrupt the balance of ecosystems, while simultaneously promoting eradication projects."
Detailed information on the ecosystem disturbing species designation notice can be found on the Ministry of Environment’s website under legal information and the National Law Information Center of the Ministry of Government Legislation.
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