Natural Monument Crested Ibis Observed in Gwangneung Forest for the First Time

A crested ibis, designated as a Class II endangered wild species and a natural monument, has been identified for the first time in Gwangneung Forest, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

The Korea Forest Service's Korea National Arboretum announced today (August 18) that a crested ibis was spotted inside the arboretum in Pocheon, Gyeonggi Province, on August 11.

Following restoration projects centered around Upo Wetland in Changnyeong-gun, South Gyeongsang Province, multiple crested ibises have been released into the wild since 2020.

While these released ibises have previously been observed in various regions, this marks the first time one has been confirmed in Gwangneung Forest.

The ibis observed this time was wearing a yellow identification band on its leg, and its appearance was recorded through photos and videos.

The Korea National Arboretum is currently verifying the release date and migration route of the bird in cooperation with the Upo Crested Ibis Restoration Center.

An official from the Korea National Arboretum stated, "We plan to reflect this observation record in the future list of Gwangneung Forest biota," adding, "We hope that the crested ibis will continue to be observed here."

(Photo provided by the Korea National Arboretum, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.