Forty-four endangered species, including otters, spoonbills and flying squirrels, have been spotted in some rural areas across the country according to the National Institute of Environmental Research (NIER)

NIER said in its survey that some 44 animal species believed to be either extinct or extremely endangered in Korea still exist at some locations.

According to the survey, 14 endangered animals, including otters, spoonbills, falcons and ospreys, were spotted in Goheung, South Jeolla Province.

Four critically endangered species, such as flying squirrels, hobbies and wildcats, which were formerly thought to have disappeared, were found in Hoengseong and Hongcheon, Gangwon Province.

In Hwasun and Gokseong, South Jeolla Province, otters, goshawk, spectacled teal and other rare species were spotted in small numbers.

The institute announced that it will be launch a more comprehensive and larger scale survey on the country''s ecosystem this year, employing about 400 environment and ecological experts from public and private sectors, and using state-of-the-art technologies such as global positioning system.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Environment (MOE) successfully bred 44 endangered animals and plants, including storks, cranes and yellow iris at 10 protected sites across the country.

It multiplied the endangered animal species and plants and restored habitats for another 11 rare plants since April 2000 when it began a five-year project aimed at increasing the country''s bio-diversity.

MOE has also been studying genetic profiles of 113 endangered species, including Siberian tigers and wolves, to better increase their numbers.

A total 221 species _ 156 animals and 65 plants _ are designated as endangered.