Endangered Korean Mountain Goats Rebound Population Surges Nearly 80% on Woraksan

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Endangered Korean mountain goats have surged by 79.4% on Woraksan mountain, with population counts rising from 102 in 2019 to 183 last year.

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Wildlife experts deployed 106 motion-sensor cameras throughout the mountain, capturing over 4,700 photographs to track the rare species.

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Researchers identified individual goats by analyzing 835 unique photos, distinguishing them through horn shapes, facial coloring, and distinctive markings.

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The current population exceeds the minimum viable threshold of 100 individuals needed for self-sustaining survival in their habitat.

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Conservation efforts began in 1994 with the release of six captive-bred mountain goats, followed by additional releases in 1997 and 1998.

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Between 2007 and 2014, conservationists introduced 22 additional mountain goats from other populations to prevent inbreeding issues.

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Plans are underway to release more mountain goats at Sobaeksan and Songnisan, creating a sustainable wildlife corridor along the Baekdudaegan range.

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The Korean mountain goat holds dual protected status as both a Natural Monument and a Grade 1 endangered species in South Korea.

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