AR-News: (Korea) New Bird Species Found

[Barry Kent MacKay]

New Bird Species Found



By Soh Ji-young

Staff Reporter
 
A new bird species was found inhabiting the Ullungdo area, the National
Institute of Environmental Research (NIER) said on Friday. 

While researchers first identified the new species as Styan's Grasshopper
Warbler, commonly found in Wando, South Cholla Province and some parts of
Japan, close inspections found that there are striking differences in
appearance, researchers said. 

Genetic tests conducted on the unidentified species and two similar species,
such as the Styan's Grasshopper Warbler and the Middendorff's Grasshopper
Warbler, found that the bird is of an entirely different species believed to
be previously unknown to the world. 

The bird was similar to the Styan's Grasshopper Warbler in terms of its wing
shape but had a different body color of light brown, the same as the
Middendorff's Grasshoppser Warbler. Its beak also measured 14.5 to 15.3
millimeters, longer than Middendorff's Grasshoppser Warbler of 11.5 to 14.0
mm but shorter than the Styan's Grasshopper Warbler of 15.2 to 15.9 mm,
researchers said. 

The discovery of the species was a result of a nationwide environment survey
conducted last year. 

The NIER plans to conduct further research of the new species, such as its
range of habitat and bird population. The institute will also give the bird
a new name, and then publish their findings in international journals. 
jysoh at koreatimes.co.kr 



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Barry Kent MacKay
Canadian Representative
Animal Protection Institute 
www.api4animals.org