“Surprising Encounter” (The image provided by Choi Sam-yong, the 46-year-old official from the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries who reported the sighting.)
INCHEON, Sept. 1 (Korea Bizwire) – In an unexpected twist of nature, a critically endangered golden bat, scientifically known as the golden blossom bat, was discovered on a fishing patrol vessel near Yeonpyeong Island in South Korea’s western waters.
The surprising encounter occurred on August 30, when a solitary golden bat was found clinging to a window frame in the wheelhouse of a 500-ton national fisheries patrol ship. The vessel was positioned approximately 32 kilometers southwest of Yeonpyeong Island in Incheon’s Ongjin County.
Choi Sam-yong, the 46-year-old official from the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries who reported the sighting, described the moment of discovery. “I noticed an unusual object swaying in the wind. Upon closer inspection, it turned out to be a living golden bat,” Choi said.
He expressed his astonishment at encountering such a rare species in the middle of the sea, stating, “I never expected to see an endangered species that’s typically hard to spot, especially in open waters.”
“Surprising Encounter” (The image provided by Choi Sam-yong, the 46-year-old official from the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries who reported the sighting.)
The golden blossom bat, known for its distinctive deep orange body and black wings, is also referred to as the golden bat or the orange whiskered bat. It belongs to the vesper bat family and is protected as both a globally endangered species and a Natural Monument in South Korea.
Choi further detailed the bat’s brief stay on the vessel. “The bat eventually fell to the floor, unable to withstand the strong winds. Being a nocturnal creature, we decided not to interfere with it,” he explained. “At some point, it must have flown away as it vanished without a trace.”
The species faces significant challenges to its survival, including an imbalanced sex ratio within the population. Environmental pollution and habitat destruction due to development have further contributed to the decline in their numbers, making such sightings extremely rare.
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
