Only 2 Found in Seoul Last August
Concerns Over Ecosystem Disruption and Infectious Diseases
Rare reptiles not native to Korea, such as the Black Kingsnake, have been repeatedly found in urban areas of the Seoul metropolitan area, including Gangnam and Incheon. Recently, cases of individuals abandoning rare pets have been increasing, prompting calls for countermeasures.
According to data provided by the Ministry of Environment to Im Eija, the senior member of the National Assembly Environment and Labor Committee (People Power Party, Sangju Mungyeong, Gyeongbuk), one Black Kingsnake was found each at the Seoul Express Bus Terminal and a residence in Gwangjin-gu last August.
The Kingsnake, widely distributed in North America and Mexico, is known for preying on rodents, birds, and even other snakes. The name "king" comes from this characteristic. It is popular as a pet in Korea.
As international animal trade increases and the pet market grows, the number of households raising rare pets is also rising. Black Kingsnakes and Striped California Kingsnakes are sold online for prices ranging from 100,000 to 300,000 KRW.
In April last year, a Striped California Kingsnake abandoned in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province, was rescued, and in 2021, a Black Kingsnake was found in Yangcheon-gu, Seoul.
However, as cases of abandonment of such rare species increase, concerns about ecosystem disruption and the spread of infectious diseases have also been raised. Lawmaker Im pointed out, “Curiosity about raising rare species can lead to threats to the domestic ecosystem.”
In August this year, an African Savannah Monitor Lizard, known as the "Savanna Wangdomabaem," was found in Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi Province. The Savannah Monitor Lizard is classified as an endangered wild animal and plant species and is a popular reptile pet.
According to the Ministry of Environment’s investigation, the number of animals rescued from the wild reached 20,161 last year. This figure has more than doubled over six years. The number of species rescued also increased by about 22%, from 259 species in 2017 to 317 species last year. This year alone, up to last month, 12,821 animals from 266 species have been rescued.
The most frequently rescued species were 10,424 water deer, followed by 5,234 wild pigeons, 5,006 raccoons, 4,826 domestic pigeons, and 4,116 magpies.
In particular, cases of exotic species discoveries have also increased, with 20 exotic species confirmed in Korea over the past five years. These include 11 insect species, 4 reptile species, and one species each of spiders, fish, mammals, gastropods, and crayfish.
Lawmaker Im said, “Measures should be prepared through crackdowns and strengthened sanctions against illegal abandonment, as well as research on the ecological impact of exotic species.”
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