The Whooper Swan, a prominent migratory bird that visits South Korea during winter, has been named the Ministry of Climate Energy and Environment's 'Endangered Wildlife of the Month' for November.
On November 3, the ministry announced that the Whooper Swan, classified as an endangered species of level I, has been selected as the representative protected species for the month.
The Whooper Swan is a large bird, measuring between 120 and 150 centimeters in length and weighing between 3.4 and 7.8 kilograms. Adults are characterized by their all-white plumage and a black bill with a yellow patch near the base. Juveniles have grayish-brown feathers that turn white as they mature.
Similar in appearance to the Bewick's Swan, which is classified as an endangered species of level II, the Whooper Swan is relatively smaller and has a smaller yellow patch on its bill. The Bewick's Swan measures between 140 and 165 centimeters in length, with a longer yellow area extending along the front of its bill.
Whooper Swans breed in northern Eurasia, Alaska, and northern Canada, migrating to South Korea, China, and Japan for the winter. In South Korea, they primarily use coastal estuaries, lakes, lagoons, and reclaimed land as wintering sites, with sightings also reported in inland areas such as Chungju Lake and Paldang Lake.
Their diet mainly consists of the leaves, stems, and roots of aquatic plants, and during winter, they also feed on leftover grains in agricultural fields. During the breeding season, they build nests by piling up vegetation in wetlands and lay 3 to 5 eggs around April to May.
Young swans spend their first winter with their parents, learning migration routes and feeding areas. Therefore, securing stable wintering habitats is closely linked to the survival of juvenile swans.
However, the reclamation and development of tidal flats and wetlands are gradually reducing the spaces where Whooper Swans can find food or rest. The number of individuals wintering in South Korea has also significantly decreased compared to the past.
The Whooper Swan is legally protected as an endangered species of level I. Engaging in illegal activities such as capturing or killing them without permission can result in imprisonment for up to five years or fines ranging from 5 million to 50 million won under the Wildlife Protection and Management Act.
For more detailed information on the ecology and conservation status of the Whooper Swan, visit the National Institute of Biological Resources and the National Ecology Institute's websites.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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