On the 16th, Seongnam City in Gyeonggi Province announced that they had confirmed the habitat of the endangered flying squirrel, a species designated as Natural Monument No. 328, in the area of Yeongjang Mountain in the Bundang district. This was made possible through an unmanned sensor observation camera installed in collaboration with 18 different organizations as part of an ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) initiative. The camera captured a 22-second video of the flying squirrel gliding with its membrane spread out, further reinforcing the ecological importance of the region. Previously, in December 2024, feces believed to belong to the flying squirrel were also discovered at the same location.

A city official emphasized the significance of this finding, stating that the confirmation of the flying squirrel, which is a critical indicator species reflecting the health and maturity of forest ecosystems, underscores the ecological value of the Yeongjang Mountain area. Since 2008, the city has designated and managed three wildlife protection zones, including portions of Yeongjang Mountain and Namhansanseong, to preserve the natural habitat, where diverse wildlife such as raccoons, deer, and various bird species have been monitored annually.

The first camera capture of the flying squirrel in Seongnam occurred in 2013. In collaboration with HD Hyundai Oilbank, HD Hyundai Electric, and the Maengsan Environmental Ecology Learning Center, the city plans to install 40 artificial nests to further conserve the habitat of the flying squirrel beginning in 2024. The city also intends to continuously monitor eight major forest areas for potential additional designations as wildlife protection zones and enhance habitats to ensure the safe living conditions for endangered species.