An endangered crested ibis has been spotted resting at the Korea National Arboretum, in Gwangneung Forest, Pocheon, north-east of Seoul. It is the first time the bird has been recorded in this historic forest, which is designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
Images show a yellow identification ring on one of its legs, indicating that the bird was born in a captive breeding and reintroduction programme. Arboretum officials are working with the Upo Ibis Restoration Centre in Changnyeong to piece together the date of its release and the route it took.
The crested ibis almost disappeared from the Korean peninsula over the last century due to habitat loss, agricultural pesticides and deforestation. Recovery efforts have been centred on the Upo wetland in the south, from where released birds have gradually spread across several provinces.
Experts say the sighting suggests the birds are finding suitable habitats far beyond the places where they were released. The observation will be added to the forest’s official biodiversity inventory.
