In Seoul, there are currently 49 designated protected species. After 16 years since the 2007 review, there is a need to investigate whether these species actually inhabit Seoul due to climate change and habitat alterations. Additionally, there is a necessity to discover new wildlife species with conservation value for additional designation and to release species no longer requiring protection, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of wildlife conservation. This study aimed to assess the habitat status of previously designated protected wildlife in Seoul and to re-designate protected wildlife based on surveys of wildlife species' occurrences in Seoul.
A total of 138 literature sources (1948-2023) related to ecological and biological species monitoring in Seoul were utilised to construct a species database, including species names, specific occurrence sites, and survey periods. GIS mapping was employed for spatial analysis. Based on analyses of habitat status and spatial distribution of protected wildlife, species were classified into species with undetermined occurrence, species designated as endangered, overlapping species, and common species. As a result, it was determined that a total of 9 species required release as protected wildlife.
For the selection of new candidate protected wildlife in Seoul, the legal basis for designation of protected wildlife under the Seoul Wildlife Protection Ordinance was considered. A total of 22 new candidate species were proposed based on criteria for protected wildlife selection, analysis of habitat status using the Seoul species database, and expert consultation.
Combining results of a citizen survey on existing and new protected wildlife and expert consultation, a final proposal for a total of 56 protected wildlife, comprising the release of 8 species and the addition of 15 new species, was made. Regarding plants, it was proposed to release Cypripedium macranthos and Glechoma grandis while adding Limosella aquatica, Euphorbia sieboldiana, and Veratrum maackii, totaling 11 species. For mammals, no change was proposed, maintaining 5 species. For birds, it was proposed to release three species (Parus major Linnaeus, Halcyon pileata, and Picus canus) while adding four species (Charadrius dubius, Bombycilla japonica, Zoothera aurea, Phasianus colchicus), totaling 12 species. For amphibians and reptiles, it was proposed to release Hierophis spinalis while adding four species (Rana coreana, Pelophylax nigromaculatus, Dryophytes japonica, Takydromus amurensis), totaling 10 species. Regarding insects, it was proposed to release Appasus japonicus and Anax parthenope julius while adding 1 species of Sericinus montela, totaling 11 species. For fish, it was proposed to maintain existing protected wildlife and add three species (Rhodeus uyekii, Micropercops swinhonis, Saurogobio dabryi Bleeker), totaling 7 species. For effective management of protected wildlife in Seoul, continuous monitoring of protected wildlife is essential. Additionally, various promotion channels should be established to inform citizens about the status of protected wildlife in Seoul.