Ministry adopts new system for tracking Asiatic black bears

The Korea National Park Service is planning to introduce a gene analysis system as part of its wildlife management support for Asiatic black bears on Mount Jirisan, the Ministry of Environment said Sunday.

The authorities will set up security cameras and fur traps that could pluck hair bulbs for identifying the population and tracking down their routes.

The officials explained the new system was adopted due to the habitat expansion and to relieve the bears’ stress when being captured to attach transmitters. The park service said it would combine the current transmitter system with a new animal-friendly method for more effective wildlife management.

Asiatic black bears are one of three mammals that the country is trying to restore to the wild, alongside red foxes on Mount Sobaeksan and goats on Mount Seoraksan. Currently 27 Asiatic black bears inhabit Mount Jirisan.

(monicasuk@heraldcorp.com)