Yeongsangang Environmental Office to Crack Down on 'Poaching and Illegal Trade' Until March Next Year

Illegal Activities Targeting Wildlife Storage, Distribution, and Sales

A view of the Yeongsangang River Basin Environmental Office.

The Yeongsangang River Basin Environmental Office announced on the 5th that it will conduct intensive crackdowns until March next year to eradicate poaching and illegal trade of wildlife during the winter season.

This crackdown aims to prevent the spread of wildlife-borne diseases such as AI (Avian Influenza) and ASF (African Swine Fever) caused by winter poaching activities, and will also include the collection of illegal traps to protect wildlife habitats (November to December).

The main crackdown areas are locations with a high likelihood of poaching, such as large-scale migratory bird habitats, ecologically excellent areas, and legally protected zones. In particular, the crackdown targets not only the storage, distribution, and sale of wildlife but also the simple act of consumption and the illegal manufacture and sale of traps.

Those caught poaching or illegally trading wildlife face imprisonment of up to five years or fines ranging from 5 million to 50 million KRW. In December 2022, a fine of 10 million KRW was imposed on a case where 4,100 wild animals, including endangered species, were illegally stored near a national park in Jangseong-gun, Jeollanam-do.

To encourage active public interest and reporting participation, a reward system offering up to 5 million KRW is operated, and a reward of 2.5 million KRW has been paid.

Kim Young-woo, head of the Yeongsangang River Basin Environmental Office, said, “The intensive winter crackdown is a measure to protect wildlife and maintain the ecosystem, and we ask for active participation and interest from citizens,” adding, “We plan to continue various efforts to eradicate poaching and illegal trade.”