Nakdong River: A Cradle of Life

The Korean stumpy bullhead lacks scales and has a crescent-shaped spot on its tail fin. Four pairs of barbels around its mouth aid in finding food, while its dorsal and pectoral fins feature rigid spines.

The Korean stumpy bullhe is primarily nocturnal, hiding under rocks during the day. When threatened, it makes a 'pagak pagak' sound using its pectoral fin joints, which is why it’s also known as 'Pagasari.' This nickname is also used for other similar species.

The Korean stumpy bullhead dwells in clear, fast-flowing waters with gravel bottoms. Habitat destruction has decimated their numbers. Now critically endangered, it's protected as a natural monument.

The Nakdong nose loach is easily recognized by their unique pattern. Black spots on a yellow background are more concentrated near the snout and smaller toward the tail, which helps distinguish them from White nose loaches.

The Nakdong nose loach has a nearly cylindrical body that flattens towards the tail, fleshy lips, and small spines under its eyes. They thrive in the Nakdong River's clean, fast-flowing, gravel-bottomed streams.

They are, active mainly at night, plays a vital role in the Nakdong River ecosystem by feeding on aquatic insects and organic debris. Sensitive to habitat changes and pollution, its population has drastically declined, leading to its classification as an endangered species.

Spinulose tape grass is a perennial plant that lives completely submerged in water. It's known for its dark green color and spiky leaves. When mature, its flower stalks twist into a spiral.

Spinulose tape grass spreads via horizontal stems, forming colonies. These stems develop turions, or storage tubers, essential for surviving the cold winters. The presence of turions distinguishes it from Asian tape grass.

Spinulose tape grass provides shelter for small fish and aquatic insects. It also supports a healthy aquatic ecosystem by helping to purify the river's water.

The Whooper Swan, about 150cm long, exhibits similar features in both males and females. Adults are pure white, while juveniles are brownish-gray. It is similar to the Tundra Swan, but has a larger yellow patch on its bill.

Due to their size, they require a running start to take flight. They feed in shallow wetlands by upending themselves to reach plant roots, plankton, and aquatic insects.

Despite their graceful appearance,  Whooper Swan have a loud, honking call. While a natural monument and endangered species II in Korea, they are the most numerous swan species visiting in winter.

The Dollarbird is a summer bird that breeds throughout Korea but is not common. They, about 29.5cm long, has a striking cyan-blue body. Its red beak and legs stand out against its vibrant plumage.

Dollarbirds primarily eat insects like beetles and cicadas. Despite fairy-tale depictions of beautiful songbirds, the Dollarbird's actual call is quite different.

Dollarbirds nest in tree cavities, often using abandoned woodpecker or magpie nests. Both parents raise the young. In autumn, they migrate south.