Guardians of the River: The Otters of Korea and Our Shared Responsibility
Guardians of the River: The Otters of Korea and Our Shared Responsibility In the intricate tapestry of Korea's aquatic ecosystems, otters emerge as vital indicators of health along the Han River. The Eurasian otter, a distinguished species among the 13 otter varieties in Korea, holds the esteemed status of Natural Monument No. 330 and is safeguarded as a Class I endangered wildlife species by the Ministry of Environment. A recent survey by the National Biological Resources Center uncovered a heartening fact - otters grace 63% of Korea's landscape. These elusive creatures thrive in optimal habitats found in agricultural or forested areas with pristine water quality. Surprisingly, the study revealed that otters can also call urban spaces home, given favorable conditions of good water quality and low traffic. It's a testament to their adaptability and resilience. However, the urban sprawl that offers habitat opportunities also presents challenges. Otters face threats from hu...