Endangered Yellow-Throated Marten Named South Korea's 'Wild Animal of the Month'

South Korea has designated the yellow-throated marten, a species classified as endangered, as its "Endangered Wild Animal of the Month" for June. The Ministry of Climate, Environment, and Energy announced this designation on June 3, highlighting the animal's vulnerable status.

The marten (Martes flavigula), belonging to the weasel family, is found across the Korean peninsula. It is distinguished by its slender, elongated body, measuring around 60 cm, with a tail that constitutes two-thirds of its length. A prominent feature is the bright yellow fur around its neck, contrasting with its dark brown head, legs, and tail, and lighter brown back. It is considered a medium-sized mammal, typically weighing between 3 to 6 kg.

These animals are social, often living and hunting in groups of two to five. Their diet is omnivorous, including fruits, rodents, birds, and even young deer or wild boar. In Korea, martens primarily inhabit dense forests, particularly along the Baekdudaegan mountain range, using rock crevices, hollow trees, and root systems for shelter. They maintain large territories, sometimes spanning up to 60 km, marking their domain with secretions from anal glands.

Despite their adaptability, martens face significant threats, primarily habitat loss driven by deforestation and development. Increased human activity also leads to a higher risk of traffic accidents as the animals move across wider areas. Their classification as a Class 2 endangered species means that capturing or killing them without a permit is illegal and punishable by imprisonment or substantial fines under the Wildlife Protection and Management Act.