The Joongang Ilbo always has neat features, and last week was one about tigers in Korean zoos and the challenge of finding mates for them. Who knew there were three Siberian tigers in Gwangju?
On the topic of wild cats, I've been having students read from a book about them for the school's afterschool English class. That reminded me of a post on Dave's from last summer about a teacher in Yeosu who came across a dead 삵 in the middle of the road. He explains that the Salg (삵) is a wild cat found in Korea, a fun fact I hadn't heard before or since. The Latin name is Prionailurus bengalensis euptailurus, and a search tells me they're better known as "Leopard cats."
5 comments:
In 4 years in Korea, I saw one squirrel in the city in Mokpo. He was trying to cross the street, and got run over.
Welcome to Korea. No wildlife.
I, too, havnen't seen much wildlife. That's one of the things I've grown to miss about home; at my parents' place in suburban Pittsburgh there are squirrels, chipmunks, deer, turkeys, rabbits, and the occassional snake. In Korea I've seen a few squirrels, a few chipmunks, and a few snakes. But, I've enjoyed seeing magpies and cranes and kingfishers along the rivers; I'd never seen a magpie before Korea, and seeing cranes and kingfishers are uncommon where I'm from.
On the topic of wild animals in Korea, I always get a kick out of reading about the wild boars that run around, even in Seoul.
Don't forget foxes, bears, coyotes, wolves, groundhogs, and the many bird species.
A lack of wildlife and endless apartment buildings makes Korean cities especially stressful to live in.
I have only seen chipmunks in the hills in Korea. I've seen cranes back home. Magpies are beautiful birds--too bad Korea farmers shoot them dead.
Hi There,
If you kow where to look, there is some interesting wildife in Korea. For birds, head to the english website - birdskorea.org . You'll also find posts about various mammal sightings.
In my time here as a wildlife photographer I have found places to see all of the following mammals...
Finless Porpoise
Korean Water Deer
Amur Leopard Cat
Siberian Weasel
Raccoon Dog
European Otter
Spotted Seal
Korean Hare
Ofcourse, there are plenty of interesting birds during migration and the Winter months. Even he charismatic species like Cranes (Hooded, White-naped, Red-crowned) and Eagles (Steller's Sea, White-tailed). I live near Suncheon, so if you're up for some mammal/birwatching, send me an email. richlindie AT yahoo.co.uk
Rich,
Thanks for the informative comment. I won't be living in Suncheon much longer---moving to Gwangju in September---but will think about taking you up on that offer.
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