Endangered 'Sanyang' Confirmed for the First Time in Gwangneung Forest... "Impact of Population Dispersal Activities"

The endangered species ‘Sanyang’ has been discovered in Gwangneung Forest.

According to the National Arboretum on the 2nd, Sanyang is a legally protected species designated as a Natural Monument (No. 217) and a Grade I endangered wild species. It has been known to primarily inhabit forest areas such as Seoraksan and Odaesan in Gangwon Province, near the Demilitarized Zone, Samcheok, and Uljin.

A Korean goral captured by a broadcasting company camera in Gwangneung Forest on May 29. This was the first case of a Korean goral being found in Gwangneung Forest. Provided by the National Arboretum

However, recent reports indicate that Sanyang has been rarely appearing in some metropolitan areas such as Pocheon and Gapyeong.

The Gwangneung Forest, where Sanyang appeared, is the only UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in the metropolitan area.

Thanks to strict protection and management for over 560 years, this area is confirmed to be home to 18 species of natural monuments and 21 species of endangered wild animals, including the longhorn beetle, Gwangneung yoke flower, and otter. It is considered the best biodiversity report in Korea.

Nevertheless, Sanyang had never been observed or recorded in Gwangneung Forest until now. The first discovery was on May 29, when a broadcasting station’s camera, observing the activity range of a marten, captured Sanyang.

Lee Sang-gyu, director of the Korea Wildlife Ecology Research Institute, who was in charge of filming and investigation at the time, explained, “The Sanyang confirmed in Gwangneung Forest is a young female individual,” and added, “It is presumed that some individuals dispersed from populations inhabiting areas such as Pocheon and Hwacheon and entered Gwangneung Forest.”

Lee Bong-woo, director of the Gwangneung Forest Conservation Center at the National Arboretum, said, “This is the first time Sanyang has been found in Gwangneung Forest,” and added, “The National Arboretum will work with related experts to monitor whether additional appearances of Sanyang occur in Gwangneung Forest, analyze their activity range, and improve habitats to ensure that this first record is not just a simple appearance.”