590 Species of Biological Resources Discovered in Dobong-gu's Musucheon and Uicheon Areas

A total of 590 species found in major rivers and forests of Dobong-gu... 313 plant species, 155 insect species, 60 benthic organisms, 38 bird species, 13 fish species, and 11 amphibians and reptiles discovered... Data accumulated on local species and used as basic materials for biodiversity conservation

Insect Survey of Chosansan Mountain

[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] Dobong-gu (Mayor Dongjin Lee) conducted a biological resource survey targeting six taxonomic groups (plants, insects, birds, benthic organisms, fish, amphibians and reptiles) in major waterways (Musucheon, part of Jungnangcheon, Uicheon) and forests (Choansan) of Dobong-gu in line with the 2020 World Environment Day theme of biodiversity, discovering a total of 590 species.

The biological resource survey was carried out by forming six teams consisting of experts in each biological taxonomic group, Dobong Environmental Education Center staff, and residents, with a total of 25 participants observing and investigating the organisms living around us.

As a result of the survey, 590 species were found in Musucheon (including part of Jungnangcheon), Uicheon, and Choansan, including 313 plant species, 155 insect species, 60 benthic organisms, 38 bird species, 13 fish species, and 11 amphibians and reptiles.

The discovered species include ▲ two bird species (Common Kestrel, Mandarin Duck) that are legally protected as endangered wild animals and natural monuments ▲ 13 species protected by Seoul City (1 plant, 8 birds, 3 amphibians, 1 insect) ▲ 13 climate change bioindicator species (9 birds, 3 amphibians, 1 insect) ▲ and 6 invasive species (5 plants, 1 insect).

Notably, the survey discovered the fish species Geokji in Jungnangcheon. An expert participating in the survey explained, "Geokji is an endemic Korean fish species (a carnivorous species that preys on small fish) characterized by round blue spots on its gill covers and mainly lives on the riverbed. However, it has not been observed in Jungnangcheon for several decades." He added, "Urban streams like those in Seoul have become difficult to observe due to river maintenance works aimed at flood prevention."

Additionally, in Choansan, the habitat of the endangered level 2 species, the leopard lizard, was confirmed about ten years ago but has recently become difficult to verify. Reptiles are very sensitive to sound, and it is believed that visitors hiking through various trails in Choansan have had an impact.

Accordingly, the district plans to share the results of the biological resource survey with departments managing waterways and parks and utilize the data as educational materials to reflect them in district administration for continuous biodiversity protection.

Furthermore, in cooperation with the Dobong Citizen Action Group and Dobong Environmental Education Center, activities to conserve biodiversity will continue, including removing invasive species such as Kudzu vine and Ambrosia artemisiifolia that breed in Jungnangcheon.

Since 2017, the district has been promoting various ecosystem conservation projects such as habitat preservation for the Korean Hairstreak butterfly, flagship species declaration ceremonies, the Earth Smile Festival, and biological monitoring of species like salamanders, thereby solidifying its image as a nature-friendly ecological city.

Mayor Dongjin Lee of Dobong-gu stated, "This biological resource survey has been a valuable opportunity to learn about many species living in balance with us and to raise awareness of the importance of biodiversity. Furthermore, it has contributed to protecting biological sovereignty, including endemic species of Korea." He added, "Based on the survey data, we will reflect on climate change and urban development to protect ecosystems and create a sustainably developing Dobong."

A Deokji fish found in Jungnangcheon in June this year