Status of freshwater fish around the Korean Demilitarized Zone and its implications for conservation

1.The Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), which divides the Korean peninsula, currently serves as a sanctuary for diverse biological resources, owing to limited development and human activities. The fish fauna of the DMZ areas, including the Civilian Control Zone (CCZ) and Military Facility Protection Area (MFPA), was investigated by quarterly sampling at 53 sites from August 2001 to May 2004.2.In total, 10 946 fish were collected and classified into 99 species and 26 families. Zacco platypus (relative abundance, RA 18.6%) was the dominant species, while other key species were Rhynchocypris steindachneri (16.0%), Pungitius sinensis (12.5%) and Zacco temmincki (8.5%).3.Thirty species were found to be Korean endemics, representing seven families. Eight Korean vulnerable species and two Korean natural monument species were recorded. Three exotic fish species (Carassius cuvieri, Micropterus salmoides and Lepomis macrochirus) were collected at 13 study sites, all but one of which are outside the CCZ. There were significant relationships between altitude and fish species richness (r²=0.448, P