Status and trends of biodiversity, including benefits from biodiversity and ecosystem services
The content of this biodiversity profile is still draft. The text below has been prepared by SCBD and remains subject to final approval by the Party concerned.
Bridging the Asian continent and the Pacific Ocean, Korea shows diverse patterns of climate from the cold continental climate to warm oceanic climate, characterized by four distinct seasons. Considering the relatively small size of the land (100,033 km²), Korea nevertheless benefits from diverse biotic resources and a beautiful natural environment due to unique geography which features the coexistence of forest and coastal ecosystems. Korea’s territory is mostly mountainous, with 64% of the land comprised of mountains surrounded by ocean on three sides, providing excellent conditions for the existence of rich biodiversity.
The number of native species in the country is estimated to be higher than 100,000. At the end of 2013, the number of species found in Korea was increased to 41,483. Among them, 2,177 are known to be endemic, with nearly 38,000 indigenous species being present.
Wetlands and tidal flats are habitats crucial to the formation of diverse and distinct characteristics of Korean species. Wetlands are important from the perspective of biodiversity in that they provide habitats for unique organisms, which evolve from environments different from those of terrestrial and aquatic organisms. However, with the gradual reduction in wetlands, diverse wetland species are threatened. Otters (
Lutra lutra), Spoon-billed Sandpipers (
Eurynorbynchus pygmeus) and Tiny Dragonfly (
Nannophya pygmaea) are some of the species on the verge of extinction due to the widespread loss of wetlands. Meanwhile, expansive tidal flats are present on the western coast of the country, providing habitats for diverse types of crustacean, fishes and plankton.
Out of a total of 41,483 species, 2,038 species require special conservation attention and have been designated for legal management. Based on the Act on Wildlife Protection and Management, the number of designated endangered species is 246. These species are categorized into one of two classes. Class I includes 51 species of endangered wild animals and plants that have reduced rapidly in population, to the extent that they may become endangered in the near future unless the threats are removed or diminished. Class II includes 195 species of wild animals and plants that show a rate of reduction in their populations which is of concern and due to either natural or artificial threats.
The Government of Korea is also expanding efforts in restoration of endangered species through breeding programs, and raising public awareness through restoration of species with high cultural value, such as the Crested Ibis. These activities are also serving to enhance multilateral cooperation through the conduct of restoration programs with neighbouring countries. About 40 endangered or critical species are under active restoration programs nationally, which is expected to make contributions to the conservation of regional biodiversity. Korea has been successful in restoration programs for the Asiatic Black Bear and the Crested Ibis.
Ten major categories are used in the designation of protected areas. At the end of 2013, protected area sites totaled 1,402 and covered 20,703.3 km2 of the country’s territory. Representing 16.4% of the national territory, this figure is less than the OECD average. Accordingly, actions aimed at expanding protected area coverage are being promoted. Among the total number of sites, there are: 78 Natural Parks (21 National Parks, 29 Provincial Parks, 28 County Parks); 32 Ecological and Scenery Conservation Areas; 9 Marine Ecosystem Protected Areas; 4 Marine Environment Conservation Zones; 32 Wetland Protected Areas; 32 Baekdudaegan Protected Areas; 378 Forest Genetic Resource Protected Areas; and 11 National Nature Reserves. Also, following the introduction of the “Geopark” certification programme in 2011, five national Geoparks now exist. There are also 18 areas included in the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance, while Seoraksan, Jejudo, Shinan Dadohae and Gwangneung Forest have been designated as UNESCO Biosphere Reserves. In 2007, Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes were inscribed in the list of UNESCO World Natural Heritage Sites.
Main pressures on and drivers of change to biodiversity (direct and indirect)
The content of this biodiversity profile is still draft. The text below has been prepared by SCBD and remains subject to final approval by the Party concerned.
A major biodiversity threat on the Korean Peninsula is habitat loss from rapid urbanization and industrialization, causing the number of endangered flora and fauna to increase at a rapid rate. Despite afforestation efforts, colony restoration and natural restoration, approximately 20.4% of wetlands, 15.9% of farmland and 2.1% of forested land have been reduced in size within the last two decades.
Biodiversity is also threatened by climate change and the invasion of alien species. The total number of alien species that have been naturally or artificially introduced into the country stands at 2,167 (333 plants and 1,834 animals). It has been determined that 18 species among them are causing disturbances to the ecosystem; these species have been designated as invasive and are being kept under control.
Poaching and the drastic increase of individuals of certain species due to the extinction of the natural enemy are causing an imbalance in the ecosystem in spite of diverse programs to protect and manage wild plants and animals. Threats to wildlife continue as a result of increased road kill due to road expansion, poaching and illegal trading. Illegal trafficking of incidental catches without required legal permission also poses serious problems, especially for endangered species.
