Distribution and Breeding Status of Chinese Egret Egretta eulophotes in South Korea

Abstract

This study was conducted to clarify the distribution and breeding status of Chinese egret Egretta eulophotes for conservation and management in South Korea. The known habitat of the birds in South Korea is confined to 10 sites. All the breeding sites are uninhibited offshore islets in the Yellow Sea, South Korea. Major breeding sites are Napdaekiseom, Hwangseodo, Chilsando, Seomando and Mokdo Islets. Most of the nests are located in dense stands of arrow bamboo Pseudosasu japonica and baby brier Rosa multiflora. The vegetation of the offshore islets with breeding sites should be maintained and managed to help the birds breed successfully. Human disturbance by photography and egg collection should be prohibited in breeding islands. An action plan based on long-term ecological research should be prepared to aid the conservation of the birds and their habitats.