SEOUL, Dec. 20 (Korea Bizwire) — Black cranes, an internationally protected species, are flying between South Korea and Japan due to an infectious disease.
The Ministry of Environment said that 3,600 black cranes were observed in a three-day survey of some 200 habitats for migratory birds across the country from Nov. 11-13.
Of them, 3,400 were found in Suncheon Bay Wetland Reserve.
On Nov. 21, the number of black cranes observed in the bay jumped to 9,800.
It is assumed that the newly arrived black cranes came from Izumi, Japan, fleeing an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (AI) that has killed more than 1,000 cranes.
The problem, however, is that South Korea isn’t safe either. Some 85 cases of AI were observed among wild birds Since Oct. 10.
“In order to separate the infected birds from others, humans must enter their habitat,” a local ornithologist said. “Such acts can disturb the ecosystem, forcing the cranes to leave their habitats behind and spread the disease even further.”
Image Credit: Cultural Heritage Administration / Suncheon City Office / photonews@koreabizwire.com
