Wild Animals in Crisis

Wild animals are facing extinction in Korea. Aside from the continuous encroachment on their habitat, the crisis is made worse by poachers who hunt wild animals, including protected species and national animals, through out the nation and sell them through secret distribution channels.
The Korea Animal Rescue Association (KARA) surveyed 36 regions from August to October. According to KARA's survey results, the number of poachers is expected to reach 20,000 and the market scale of illegal wild animal trading is 300 billion won.
Poachers are hunting mainly in Mt. Jiri, Odae, and Worak and also use snares and traps to sell animals to middle men.
These middle men can command exorbitant prices depending on how rare an animal is. A wild roe deer sells for one million won, a moose can fetch 200,000 won, and a raccoon can go for between 30,000 to 50,000 won on the black market.
Eagles are sold for five million won each and the rare spoonbill bird sells for three million won.
As of now, the number of wild animal species classified as on the brink of extinction in Korea has reached 59 including the Asian black bear, otter, and crane.
Choi Du Hyun of KARA said, 'Recently, many people who lost their jobs are being drawn into poaching. This winter the number of poachers is expected to increase by 10% to 20%.'
The Ministry of Environment (MOE) will crack down on poaching in cooperation with the police.