A single swan, identified as a member of the endangered swan species, has been observed wintering in the Gapcheon River in Daejeon, South Korea, marking the first confirmed sighting of the species in the region, according to the Daejeon Environmental Movement Union on January 13th.
The swan was spotted near the Tapripdolbo area of the river, wintering alongside a flock of nine greater swans. This discovery means the Gapcheon River now hosts all three swan species known to winter in Korea: the greater swan, the whooper swan, and the swan itself. The sighting follows the confirmation of a whooper swan wintering in the same area earlier this month.
The swan, listed as a protected species under South Korea’s Natural Monuments Conservation Act (No. 201-1) and classified as vulnerable, is noticeably smaller than the greater swan, reaching approximately 120cm in length compared to the greater swan’s 140cm. A key distinguishing feature is the shape of the yellow markings on its beak, which are rounder and less extensive than those found on the greater swan.
Conservationists have expressed concern over the dwindling population of the swan, with national census data revealing a dramatic decline from 792 individuals in 1999 to just two in 2021. The Daejeon Environmental Movement Union attributes this decrease to the loss of tidal flats and wetlands, critical habitats for the species.
“Recently, in addition to swans, endangered species such as whooper swans, yellow-billed storks, and falcated ducks have been consistently observed in the Gapcheon River, a river within the city,” stated the Daejeon Environmental Movement Union. The organization is urging the Daejeon city government to conduct a detailed survey of wintering bird populations and implement measures to protect the habitats of these endangered species.
The discovery of the swan adds to a growing list of endangered species utilizing the urban river as a wintering ground. The Daejeon Environmental Movement Union has provided images of the swan to local media, but has not yet released details regarding specific conservation plans or further research initiatives.
