Owl Ecology Briefing (2026-10-03)
Owls are designated and protected as endangered species in Korea. Recently, the first breeding of the Grade II endangered wild animal, the tawny owl, was confirmed in Palgongsan National Park, bringing renewed attention to their role as important predators within the ecosystem.
Owl Ecology Briefing — 2026-10-03
Latest Ecological Research Trends
Significance of Confirmed Owl Breeding The Palgongsan National Park East Office has confirmed the first-ever breeding of the tawny owl (Strix aluco), a Grade II endangered wild species. This marks an improvement in the region's ecosystem health and a practical achievement for endangered species protection policies.
Biological Identity of Owls Owls belong to the same biological lineage, and only in certain languages like Korean are some species within the owl family arbitrarily called "buong-i" (eagle-owls). Therefore, their characteristics and habits are essentially identical.
Diversity of Owl Family Birds in Korea Ten species of the owl family inhabit Korea, and seven of them are designated and protected as Natural Monuments of South Korea No. 324.
Owl Ecology and Habits
Role as Apex Predators in the Ecosystem Owl species, including the Eurasian eagle-owl, occupy an important position as apex predators in the ecosystem. Thanks to these habits, they can secure food resources exclusively within their territory.
Strong Territorial Instincts Owl species display very strong territorial behaviors, fiercely chasing away other owls or large raptors that enter their territory. This trait is an adaptive strategy that minimizes food competition and ensures individual survival.
Protection and Status
Endangered Species Designation Status Although eagle-owls have large populations globally, they are rare resident birds domestically in Korea, where they are designated as a Grade II endangered species and a Natural Monument.
Owl Protection Status The tawny owl is designated and protected as a Ministry of Environment Grade II endangered species and Cultural Heritage Administration Natural Monument No. 324-1. The exact status of the total resident population in the country is not yet fully understood.
Integrated Protection System A total of seven species, including tawny owls, eagle-owls, and scops owls, are integrally designated and managed as "owls." This is an efficient protection policy that recognizes the ecological similarities of these species.
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