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Recovery of the Eurasian Otter Lutra lutra in Korea and the Change in Public AttitudeKeywords: Lutra lutra , otter , Korea , Status Abstract: Since the 1970s, South Korea has attained unparalleled and rapid economic growth. To analyze the impact of subsequent habitat deterioration on the Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra), the distribution of otter spraints along sea coasts and major rivers was surveyed in 1982, 1991–94, and 2010. On the basis of the density of spraints and questionnaire-based surveys given to local residents, scores ranging from 0 (no information and no spraints) to 3 (>1 spraint/500 m) were assigned to each study area. Along rivers, the average scores decreased from 1982 to 1991–94, but recovered in 2010. In coastal areas, the scores were rather constant from 1982 to 2010. During 1971–2010, the number of otter-related articles increased almost in proportion to the rise in the GDP. During this period, the content of otter-related articles shifted from its use as a fur animal to that of an animal symbolic of healthy environments.
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