Incheon's Bupyeong-gu has officially designated the little egret as its flagship species, symbolizing the district's local ecosystem.
A flagship species is a representative animal or plant chosen to embody the ecological, geographical, social and cultural characteristics of a region — one deemed worthy of protection as a symbol of its local environment.
The district announced Wednesday that it had selected and officially designated the little egret. The selection was based on a research study on Bupyeong-gu's ecosystem flagship species commissioned by the Bupyeong-gu Council last year.
The little egret topped a public preference survey of 990 residents, outpolling the other candidates: the narrow-mouthed frog, the Korean bitterling and the large copper butterfly.
A member of the heron family, the little egret is a small bird measuring about 55 to 56 centimeters in length. Unlike other egret species, it is easily identified by its black bill and yellow feet. Its pure white, graceful appearance has long made it a subject of traditional Korean folk paintings, where it symbolizes integrity and good fortune.
The little egret is also a familiar presence in the district, observed year-round along local waterways including Gulpocheon stream.
gilbert@heraldcorp.com
