The area was declared a demilitarized zone after the end of the Korean War in 1953, and residents were forced to leave. Since then, the animals of the region have thrived. The mountains, streams and wetlands have become home to 50 animal species and 12 plant species. Several of the species are found no where else, including the Korean wild cat and the red-crowned crane.

There are still threats to the animals even though human interaction is minimal. The area still has land mines, and the possibility of human development is still a threat.

To combat the potential of human encroachment the government of S. Korea is trying to turn some of the area into a park.

For more: http://news.mongabay.com/2008/1117-hance_dmz.html