Distribution of Legally Protected Mammals in South Korea Based on Post-environmental Impact Assessment over 5 Years: 2017-2021

Biodiversity is essential for ecosystem stability and human survival, playing a critical role in ecosystem services, resource cycling, and climate regulation. However, recent challenges such as habitat degradation and fragmentation due to development or climate change have placed biodiversity under threat. Thus, many countries are actively working to preserve and restore biodiversity through efforts to protect endangered species. In line with this international movement, South Korea has been collecting baseline data on wildlife habitat distribution through the National Natural Environment Survey. However, the extended survey cycle and regional timing differences pose limitations on regularly updating endangered wildlife habitat status. Therefore, this study aimed to utilize postenvironmental impact assessment data within the environmental impact assessment system, which monitors various environmental factors including the natural and living environments. Habitat data for legally protected mammals across South Korea was collect on three species: the yellow-throated marten (<i>Martes flavigula</i>), the leopard cat (<i>Prionailurus bengalensis</i>), and the Eurasian otter (<i>Lutra lutra</i>). These species play an essential role in maintaining ecosystem health and biodiversity, making habitat conservation crucial. This study is expected to provide foundational data to support systematic management and reliable conservation policies for legally protected mammals in South Korea.