The Environment Ministry says many endangered plants, birds and animals live on the Dokdo islets in the East Sea.

The ministry said Monday that a year-long inspection of the islets' ecosystem found more than 100 types of birds, 50 types of plants and 60 species of insects.

Nineteen of the 49 confirmed plant species were from outside or newly planted, with the ministry urging systematic measures to deal with the situation.

The ministry will conduct environmental monitoring of the region twice a year and a year-long inspection every five years to monitor changes in the ecosystem.