Jeonbuk Wildlife Rescue and Management Center Releases Endangered Level II Marten Back to Nature After Treatment

Photo by Jeonbuk National University

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Geon-ju] The Jeonbuk Wildlife Rescue and Management Center, operated by Jeonbuk National University, has returned a yellow-throated marten, a Class II endangered wild animal designated by the Ministry of Environment, back to its natural habitat.

On the 3rd, the center released the yellow-throated marten in Ancheon-myeon, Jinan-gun, with Center Director Han Jae-ik and veterinarians in charge of treatment present.

This yellow-throated marten was found unable to move after being hit by a vehicle on the road in Singwaeri, Ancheon-myeon, Jinan-gun on May 3rd. Upon receiving the report, the Jeonbuk Wildlife Rescue and Management Center promptly rescued and continuously treated the animal.

At the time of rescue, the yellow-throated marten was on a two-lane road, showing signs of impaired consciousness and head tilt, suggesting a possible traumatic brain injury.

It was immediately transported to the center for X-rays, which revealed traumatic lung injury and pelvic bone dislocation, leading to appropriate medication and rehabilitation training.

Thanks to about a month of care and treatment, the yellow-throated marten recovered quickly and was able to return to the wild.

The release site was the same location where the animal was rescued.

Center Director Han Jae-ik said, “The condition was not good, but after long treatment, we are happy to return the wild animal to its natural habitat,” adding, “Through such release events, we aim to raise awareness of the value of nature conservation and strive to create an environment where wildlife and humans can coexist.”

Meanwhile, the Jeonbuk Wildlife Rescue and Management Center, which opened in 2009, plays a role in rescuing, treating, and rehabilitating endangered species or rarely observed wild animals in Korea such as eagles, Eurasian eagle-owls, and black kites, returning them to nature.

In particular, researchers from Jeonbuk National University’s College of Veterinary Medicine actively conduct studies on endangered species, leading efforts in wildlife protection.