The yellow-throated marten (Martes flavigula koreana) is observed to be the apex predator in South Korea where the tigers (Panthera tigris) have disappeared.

On the 14th, the National Institute of Environmental Research of the Ministry of Environment announced the result of the last four years’ research on the yellow-throated marten (Endangered species, level II) using remote wireless tracking, unmanned sensor camera and prey analysis.

According to the result, the yellow-throated marten is found to be the apex predator, hunting large animals and to be an umbrella species with a large home range. Value of such species is very high for conservation of ecosystem.

When analyzing the prey using excrement (414 traces), the yellow-throated marten was identified to be the major predator of the mammals that the farmers have trouble with.

Wireless tracking showed that the home ranges of the yellow-throated marten are very large by 22.3~59.1㎢ and is expected to be valuable as the umbrella species of ecosystem.

Also, the yellow-throated marten is anticipated to be useful for visitors’ management system for national parks. As the activity of the yellow-throated marten is highly influenced by the visitors, comparing to the other nocturnal animals, its characteristics are planning to be utilized to calculate the appropriate number of visitors in the protection area and trails and to set opening hours.

*Government press release (January 14)