Protection of biological species includes recov- ering the ecosystem equilibrium, and provides an abundant and diverse bene ts to humans. Around 13 million species are estimated to inhabit the earth, with 70 species becoming extinct every day. Also, 25% of all species are predicted to disappear by 2050. The current extinction rate is reported to be 1,000 times faster than the natural extinction rate.

An estimated total of 100,000 biological species inhabits South Korea, including 45,292 species, of which are 5,349 plant species. According to the criteria of the IUCN Red List, 4,058 species have been designated as the Korean Red List.