Waterfowl Community and Protective Value at Gangjin Bay in Gyeongsangnam-do, Korea

This study conducted the total six times of survey at Gangjin Bay in Gyeongsangnamdo from June in 2012 to March in 2013. The number of waterfowl observed during the survey period was the total of 48 species and 17,799 individuals for the maximum number of individuals. The most dominant species was Aythya marila (37.0%), followed by Aythya ferina (28.8%). The monthly appearance species (appearance rate of 100%) was recorded as 7 species including Anas poecilorhyncha, Ardea cinerea, Egretta alba modesta, Egretta garzetta, Falco tinnunculus, Larus crassirostris, and Larus ridibundus. The legally protected species was found to be total 8 species including Endangered Species I (2 species), II (5 species), and natural monument (6 species). The mudflat grade for birds showed high protective value with II grade, which was the same grade as at Gangjin Bay and Muan Bay in Jeollanamdo. Therefore, it is suggested to prepare for the plan to protect and manage waterfowls and ducks at Gangjin Bay areas during the wintering season.