Endangered Red Bat and Rabbit Bat Confirmed for the First Time in Wangpicheon, Uljin
by Gu Daeseon
Published 10 Dec.2025 13:19(KST)
Daegu Environmental Office Conducts Detailed Survey
Sixteen Bat Species Found in Wangpicheon Conservation Area
The Daegu Regional Environmental Office (Director Cho Eunhee) announced on December 10 that, as a result of a detailed survey on the bat population in the Wangpicheon River Basin Ecological and Landscape Conservation Area in Uljin County, North Gyeongsang Province, it has confirmed for the first time the presence of the endangered Red Bat (Level I) and Rabbit Bat (Level II).
Until now, only one endangered bat species, the Small Horseshoe Bat (Level I), had been identified in the Wangpicheon Conservation Area. However, with this survey confirming the presence of both the Red Bat and Rabbit Bat, all three bat species designated as endangered in South Korea have now been found in this area.
Bats are highly sensitive to habitat destruction caused by climate change and pesticides, and are considered keystone species that best indicate the health of caves and forests. It is known that there are 23 bat species in Korea, with 18 species inhabiting South Korea.
This survey confirmed the presence of 16 bat species in the Wangpicheon Conservation Area, including the Red Bat, Small Horseshoe Bat (Level I), and Rabbit Bat (Level II), which is five more than previously recorded. Fourteen species, including the three endangered species, were confirmed through direct capture or visual observation, while two species were identified through ultrasonic recording and analysis.
The Red Bat hibernates in caves or abandoned mines with high temperature and humidity, and is called the "Golden Bat" due to its vivid orange color. The Small Horseshoe Bat is the smallest bat species inhabiting South Korea and is known to use natural structures within forests-such as tree holes, bark, and rock crevices-as shelters.
The Rabbit Bat is characterized by its long ears resembling those of a rabbit, and is known to appear in areas with well-developed forests in South Korea.
Jung Chulun, Ph.D. of Dongguk University, who participated in this detailed survey, assessed that the discovery of bats inhabiting various environments-such as forests, residential areas, and caves-despite the short survey period (five months), demonstrates the ecological health and excellence of the Wangpicheon Conservation Area. He also explained that, considering the landscape diversity of the Wangpicheon Conservation Area, it is likely that additional bat species may be identified in the future.
Cho Eunhee, Director of the Daegu Regional Environmental Office, stated, "We will do our utmost to preserve the outstanding ecological resources of the Wangpicheon Conservation Area, including bats, and to promote coexistence with nature."
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