First Designation of Flagship Wildlife Species Including the Yellow-billed Egret in 31 Cities and Counties of Gyeonggi-do

Ecosystem Flagship Species Character Designated by Gyeonggi Province

Gyeonggi Province has designated 31 species of wild animals representing the local ecosystem, including the yellow-billed egret and the crane, as ‘Gyeonggi-do Flagship species’ to preserve the ecosystem. This is the first time that Gyeonggi Province has designated flagship species.

Flagship species refer to symbolic organisms that represent the local ecosystem and reflect ecological, geographical, social, and cultural characteristics, and are considered worthy of protection.

Through related research, Gyeonggi Province selected candidate species with protection value, such as species appearing in each of the 31 cities and counties and endangered species, and designated Gyeonggi-do flagship species reflecting city and county symbols and unique species through expert consultation on wildlife.

The designated flagship species include ▲7 mammals (badger, Korean hare, otter, Siberian flying squirrel, leopard cat, weasel, yellow-throated marten) ▲13 birds (white-browed tit-warbler, spotted sandpiper, blue woodpecker, nuthatch, yellow-billed egret, black-headed lapwing, Eurasian eagle-owl, black-faced spoonbill, whooper swan, oriental cuckoo, eagle, white-tailed eagle, crane) ▲4 amphibians (Suwon tree frog, golden frog, black-spotted pond frog, salamander) ▲7 invertebrates (dung beetle, broad-horned stag beetle, firefly, two-tailed swallowtail butterfly, giant dragonfly, tail silk moth, longhorn beetle).

Among the major wild animals, the yellow-billed egret is the city bird of Ansan-si, classified as an endangered wild species level I, a natural monument, and a protected marine organism, representing the coastal ecosystem as a flagship species. The crane is an endangered wild species level I and a natural monument, and with the Imjin River crane habitat in Yeoncheon-gun designated as a national cultural asset, it was selected as a flagship species representing the river ecosystem.

Gyeonggi Province also developed friendly characters for the 31 designated flagship species based on their biological characteristics. These character products (such as sticker seals and keyrings) will be provided during ‘biodiversity exploration’ activities where residents directly observe and record species, helping to spread awareness and empathy for wildlife.

Park Rae-hyeok, Director of the Climate and Environment Policy Division of Gyeonggi Province, said, "By designating flagship species, we will more valuably preserve the natural ecosystem of Gyeonggi Province and provide opportunities for residents to become closer to nature. We will continue to implement various policies to overcome the biodiversity crisis caused by climate change."