KOREA TIMES (Seoul) 01 October 13 Endangered golden frogs found in Gimpo wetlands
Endangered golden frogs have been found in wetlands near Gimpo International Airport, where plans are under way to build a golf course.
The discovery has led to calls for the land to be preserved.
An organization has been set up to campaign for the golf course plan to be cancelled because the project will cause enormous ecological damage.
The group held a press conference in Gwanghwamun in downtown Seoul, saying there had been reports of noises made by golden frogs (scientifically called pelophylax chosenicus), but that this was the first time they had been seen.
A group member said nine endangered species designated for protection had been found in the wetlands in Ogok-dong in northern Seoul, where Gimpo International Airport is located.
He said there was abundant evidence of wildlife in the wetlands, including rare species of insects, and there was every indication there were more golden frogs in the vicinity.
The group member, part of the investigative team, said numerous other rare species, including the freshwater white rice-field eel, which is believed to be facing extinction because of environmental pollution, have also been discovered.
Forty-four environmental organizations are participating in the campaign to halt the 27-hole golf course.
A total of 132 billion won ($120 million) is being invested to develop the 995,500-square-meter site.
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