Sindo Migratory Bird Sanctuary

The Sindo Migratory Bird Sanctuary situated in the northwest part of Korea consists of Pidan Islet and Hwanggumphyong Islet in Sindo County, North Phyongan Province and their surrounding small islets.

The sanctuary covering an area of over 2 500 hectares was designated in 1995 for the purpose of protecting migratory birds including those endangered and rare species.

Nut pine and other trees and water plants like Salicornia herbacea and sea blite are distributed in the sanctuary. As it has a vast natural reed field favourble for migratory birds to “rest” and plenty feed resources, it offers good habitable conditions for them.

The sanctuary with diverse natural environments serves as an important stopover place for the birds during their migration.

Over a hundred species of birds, including 26 sedentary species, 51 summer species and 18 winter species, have been identified in the area of the sanctuary up to now. Among them are 25 species of birds on the brink of extinction or rare to be found, such as species of swan and snipe. Typical of them are whooper swan, Australian curlew, black-winged stilt, oystercatcher and black-tailed gull, etc., which are designated as the objects of international protection as their number is on the decrease across the world.

Most of the birds in the sanctuary are snipes in terms of species and number. In spring and from early August to early November, they move in large flocks from Hwanggumphyong Islet to the Maando Reclaimed Tideland in Pidan Islet and the reed field to find feed and have a “rest”. The scene of their moving reminds one of an “islet of birds”.

As the sanctuary is of great significance in protecting the endangered and rare birds not only in Korea but in the rest of Asia, it is kept under the care of the State.

Wide publicity is given to the importance of protecting migratory birds, and regular investigation and scientific research activities are conducted to protect the birds.