On October 30, 2025, we (Su-young Lee and Su-jin Lee, members of ‘Birds Korea (Yeoncheon)’ and Former Scaly-sided Merganser Surveyors) visited a 4th-grade classroom at Yeoncheon Elementary School. This is a class whose homeroom teacher was already conducting environmental education covering Yeoncheon County’s biodiversity, habitats, and birdlife. The children already knew that the Scaly-sided Merganser inhabits Yeoncheon County and were eager to learn more.
“Could you raise your hand if you’ve ever seen a Scaly-sided Merganser in person?”
As expected, no one did.
“Why do you think you haven’t seen the Scaly-sided Merganser?”
“Because there aren’t many.”
“Because they are an endangered species.”
This fall, the Scaly-sided Merganser returned to the Imjin River, as they consistently do. ‘Birds Korea (Yeoncheon)’ first began intensive single-species surveys focusing on the Scaly-sided Merganser along the Imjin River in 2021. The survey results suggested that the Imjin River is likely the most important habitat (stopover site) in the world for this globally endangered species during its migration period.
Birds Korea Yeoncheon has since continued these intensive surveys, focusing on the Scaly-sided Merganser during the spring and fall migration periods. The accumulated survey data have confirmed that the Yeoncheon Imjin River is currently the single most important habitat (stopover site) in the world for the Scaly-sided Merganser during both migration seasons. As of this fall 2025, Mr. Baek Seung-gwang is conducting regular surveys every three days, supported by the EAAFP (East Asian-Australasian Flyway Partnership).
The total global population of the Scaly-sided Merganser in the wild is estimated to be around 3,500 individuals. This bird is a rare species found exclusively in Russia, China, North Korea, and South Korea. Approximately 85% of the total population breeds along rivers in Russia (primarily Primorsky Krai), and 95% winters along rivers in China (mostly in the southeast).
The Korean Peninsula lies in the middle of the Scaly-sided Merganser’s migration route between Russia and China during spring and fall, and within the Peninsula, the Imjin River holds a central position. While the Scaly-sided Merganser is dispersed across much wider areas in Russia and China, it is estimated that a large number of individuals converge on the Imjin River during both migration seasons. This phenomenon is comparable to the concentration of traffic on major highways as people travel for and return from traditional holidays.
Therefore, ensuring that the Scaly-sided Merganser can rest, feed, and sleep well along the Imjin River during the migration period is just as critical as their breeding and wintering grounds, if not more so, for the protection of this globally endangered species.
The consistent sharing of knowledge and discussion has finally resulted in the first tangible measures being prepared for the conservation of the Scaly-sided Merganser. Supported by Gyeonggi Province and the EAAFP, Yeoncheon County, ‘Birds Korea (Yeoncheon)’, and Yeoncheon Elementary School students have begun designing and producing interpretive signboards for the species. Two signboards are scheduled to be installed in Hwengsan-ri and Samgot-ri, Jung-myeon.
The Scaly-sided Merganser can be said to inhabit the entire stretch of the Imjin River from Pilseung Bridge in the Civilian Control Zone to Horogoru. However, they tend to concentrate within specific stretches and preferred areas. If the ecological conditions in these areas are destroyed or disturbance is intensified, it poses a significant threat to the survival of the Scaly-sided Merganser.
Unfortunately, the major stretches most preferred by the Scaly-sided Merganser have been undergoing intensive development in recent years and are scheduled for further development. The representative examples include the areas around Dongi-ri Columnar Joints (Imjingang Columnar Joints Tourism Center), Jinsang-ri (Park Golf course), and Samgeo-ri (Pet Theme Park).
To prevent local residents and visitors, who are unaware of the species’ presence, from inadvertently becoming a threat to the Scaly-sided Merganser, minimum protective measures and safety protocols are urgently required. This is because most people today value wildlife as highly as human life and take pride in their efforts to protect it.
© Lee Su-young
© Lee Su-young
Of all conservation measures, interpretive signboards are perhaps the quickest and easiest to implement. Now, the Yeoncheon Elementary School students have taken the initiative to spread the word: that the Scaly-sided Merganser is here, and that we can protect it together. We hope the older generations and policy makers will respond to this call.
© Lee Su-young
Finally, we appeal to Yeoncheon County Office. The location that most urgently requires the installation of Scaly-sided Merganser signboards is the Dongi-ri Columnar Joints. The Imjingang Columnar Joints Tourism Center is soon to open in this area, which is much preferred by the Scaly-sided Merganser. It is an area that absolutely requires seasonal trail closures, the creation of buffer vegetation, screens, bird hides, and interpretive signboards.
No measures have been prepared yet, but couldn’t we at least install one signboard first? Could we not erect one more signboard—designed by Yeoncheon Elementary School students, which introduces the Scaly-sided Merganser and the Imjin River, and guides visitors on the proper etiquette for protecting the species—also in this most critical location? Furthermore, wouldn’t such a gesture instill a sense of pride and inspiration in many people?