Endangered bird habitats found off southern coast

Fairy pitta, National Monument No. 204 and a Class 2 endangered wildlife, has been confirmed to have collective habitats in islands in coastal areas of South Jeolla Province.

The warm-temperature and subtropical forest research institute under the Korea Forestry Research Institute has confirmed 41 birds of fairy pitta, an endangered species, living in nine islands in coastal areas in South Jeolla Province. The largest number (13) of fairy pitta has been found in Geumo-do Island in Yeosu City, followed by Geogeum-do (10) in Goheung County, and Saengil-do (7) in Wando County in the province. Additional birds have been found in Joyak-do (3) in Wando County, Dolsan-do (3) in Yeosu City, and Bogil-do (2) in Wando County. Fairy pitta reportedly would find habitats primarily in Jeju Island, Wando in South Jeolla and Geoje-do in South Gyeongsang Province, but it is the first time the wild bird has been found in islands in other areas of the southern coast.

KFRI analyzed that environment conducive for fairy pitta’s habitation has been created as forests destroyed in the 1970s and 1980s have been recovered from deforestation. “In addition to fairy pitta, other endangered birds including Black Paradise Flycatchers and cuckoos have also been monitored,” said Won Hyeon-gyu, a researcher at the warm-temperature and subtropical forest research institute. “Attention is needed to ensure preservation and management of forests in island areas.”