1. Asiatic black bear restoration for recovery of
healthy ecosystem in Korea
Dong-Hyuk Jeong1, Doo-Ha Yang1, Bae-Keun Lee1, Jae-Gu Kang1,
Seung-Jun Jeong1, Woo-Jin Jeong1, Kira Skripova2
1 Species Restoration Center, National Park Service,
53-1 Hwangjeon-ri Masan-myeon Gurye, Jeonnam, South Korea
2 Ussuri Nature Reserve of Far East Branch Russian Academy of Sciences,
Nekrasova Str., Ussuriisk , Russia
Tel) , Fax )
Major attainment
1. Bear didn't only find winter den by themselves, hibernated successfully, but also
mated and gave birth
2. It is established a government-affiliated organization (Species Restoration Center
of Korea National Park Service) which conduct synthetically restoration of
endangered species including Asiatic black bear
3. It is settled prompt compensation system on the damage from released bears and
damage prevention service
4. It is been running continuous monitoring system after releasing
Discussion
Major Research & affair
IntroductIon A B I H G F E D C
A. Survey on bear habitat, B. Analysis of correlation between home range and acorn production, C. Radio telemetry & monitoring of bear’s movement
D. Analysis of home range and habitat use, E. Survey on wildlife density in bear habitat using camera trap , F. Setting of electric fence to protect apiary damage
G. Setting of warning flag to control illegal hiking in the National Park , H. Round-table conference with local people to encourage sympathy of bear restoration, I. Education of nature conservation & bear ecology
Although in the past lots of Asiatic black bear inhibited in Korea, the size of
populations were decreased because of poaching and habitat loss, they
became a endangered species. Hereupon, It was suggested the restoration
project of Asiatic black bear by Supplementation
Goal of the project
1. Restoration of Asiatic black bears in suitable habitat through developing
public tolerance and political support
2. Establishment of self sustainable populations in Backdudaegan (ecological
axis of Korean peninsula) area as well as Jirisan National Park in South Korea
3. Recovery of healthy eco‐system through the Supplementation of Asiatic black
bears
Status of released bears
15 of 30 released bears between 2004 and 2010 are alive and 5 of them
gave birth 6 cubs (2 cubs; died), so totally 19 bears are in Jirisan
National Park.
Table 1. State of released bear s at Jirisan National Park, summer 2011
Release stock
No. released
Date
Release type
No. living
Fate
Russia
6 (♀3, ♂3)
Oct. 2004
Soft
2 (♀1, ♂1)
1 died
3 withdrawn
North Korea
8 (♀4, ♂4)
Jul. 2005
3 (♀1, ♂2)
4 died,
1 withdrawn
6 (♀4, ♂2)
Oct. 2005
Hard
2 died
1 missing
Nov. 2007
3 (♀3)
3 died
Captive breeding
1 (♀1)
May 2008 -
2 (♂2)
Oct. 2009
1 (♂1)
Oct. 2010
Total
30 (♀16, ♂14)
15 (♀7, ♂8)
11 died,
4 withdrawn
Table 2. State of giving birth in the wild
Code
Origin
No. cubs
No. living
Fate
Total 6 4
2009
NF-08
N. Korea 1
1 (♂)
NF-10 -
1 died
2010
RF-18
Russia 2
1 (♀)
1 died(♂)
2011
RF-21
RF-25
In 2011, it has been 10 year s since the restoration project of Asiatic black bear (including experimental release in 2001) was launched in Korea. There have been many difficulties and errors, but this trial and error has led to accumulated knowledge, and a better understanding of both bears and the people who live near them. Successful restoration is nearly impossible without public and political support and it is necessary to educate and publicize about the significance of species restoration.