Upo wetland
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Upo wetland is a complex of natural wetlands located in Changnyeong County, South Korea, near the Nakdong River. It is located in portions of Yueo-myeon, Ibang-myeon and Daehap-myeon. It derives its name from the largest of the wetlands, Upo. Other wetlands in the complex include Mokpo, Sajipo and Jjojibeol wetlands. The complex as a whole covers 2.13 km², and is the largest inland wetland in South Korea today. It is one of two Ramsar wetlands in the country.
Upo is home to numerous endangered, threatened and rare species. Based on a 1997 survey, the wetland is believed to be home to a total of 342 endangered or threatened species: 168 species of plants, 62 species of birds, 55 species of arthropods, 28 species of fish, 12 species of mammals, 7 species of reptiles, 5 species of amphibians, and 5 species of molluscs.
The most famous rare plant found here is the prickly lotus, Asin euryale. A particularly noted bird species is the Black-faced Spoonbill. Upo provides habitat to large numbers of migrant birds, including other rare species such as the White-naped Crane and Taiga Bean Goose. A notable reptile species is the Reeves turtle.
Most of Upo has been protected since 1997, and is now part of the Upo Ecological Park. However, agricultural and fishing activity still takes place on the wetland. A growing eco-tourism sector has developed in the country, although many local residents remain hostile to the idea of protected land. A visitor's center and observation tower have been constructed near the wetland to facilitate tourism, and in interpretive center has been established nearby.
