South Chungcheong's Daedunsan confirmed as haven for endangered species

Daedunsan in South Chungcheong Province has been confirmed as a major habitat for endangered species, establishing the mountain as a treasure trove of natural resources.

The South Chungcheong Provincial Forest Resources Research Institute announced Thursday that 1,648 species of animals and plants have been identified in Daedunsan Provincial Park, including nine legally protected species such as endangered wildlife and natural monuments.

The survey of Daedunsan Provincial Park, covering 24.833 square kilometers, was conducted from June 2025 to June 2026 across 11 fields: topography and geology, vegetation, flora, birds, mammals, amphibians and reptiles, insects, benthic macroinvertebrates, freshwater fish, higher fungi and freshwater algae.

The nine legally protected species confirmed in the park are the Eurasian otter (critically endangered, Class I; natural monument), Eurasian sparrowhawk (endangered, Class II; natural monument), northern goshawk (endangered, Class II; natural monument), mandarin duck (natural monument), common kestrel (natural monument), oriental scops owl (natural monument), leopard cat (endangered, Class II), yellow-throated marten (endangered, Class II) and Siberian flying squirrel (endangered, Class II; natural monument). Individual specimens and habitat of the Siberian flying squirrel have been confirmed, and ongoing monitoring is planned.

In the topography and geology survey, 96 sites were selected and assessed for excellence, scale and academic value out of 253 surveyed points. The assessment newly identified five sites rated Class II (nationally worthy of protection) and 45 sites rated Class III (subject to national designation and management).

The survey also yielded significant biodiversity findings. DNA sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of higher fungi led to the discovery of seven species previously unrecorded in South Korea. A colony of the Beijing gecko — previously considered an introduced species — was also found, and DNA analysis is underway to determine whether it may be a native species.

Beyond ecological resources, the park contains 40 cultural heritage assets in total — seven designated and 33 undesignated. The park drew approximately 244,000 visitors in 2025.

The provincial park natural resource survey is an academic research project conducted on a five-year cycle to assess the state of natural resources and track changes caused by natural and human factors. The findings serve as key data for sustainable park management and biodiversity conservation.

The institute plans to publish the survey results on the provincial government's website and build a geographic information system database to actively inform conservation and management planning for the provincial park.

Park Baek-yong, head of the provincial park division at the South Chungcheong Provincial Forest Resources Research Institute, said the findings would serve as the foundation for sustainable conservation of Daedunsan Provincial Park through systematic and scientific management.