The Gyeonggi-do Wildlife Rescue and Management Center rescued 3,552 wild animals in danger last year. This is an increase of 518 cases (17%) compared to 3,034 cases in 2023.
Gyeonggi-do announced on the 20th that it had initially planned to rescue 2,200 animals last year but ended up rescuing 3,552, which is 1,352 more than expected.
Among the rescued animals, birds accounted for the largest number with 2,692, making up 75.8% of the total. This was followed by mammals with 847 (23.8%) and reptiles with 13 (0.4%). Included among these were 470 animals from 15 species designated as natural monuments, such as the Hwangjorongi (Common Kestrel) and flying squirrels, as well as 137 animals from 17 endangered species, including hawks and otters.
Analysis of the causes for wildlife rescue showed that for birds, the largest proportions were lost young birds separated from their mothers (50%) and collisions with power lines or buildings (19%).
For mammals, vehicle collisions (25%) and parasitic infections (23%) were common, particularly notable in water deer and raccoons. In the case of reptiles, intrusion into residential areas (69%) was the main reason for rescue as a safety measure.
Of the animals rescued last year, 1,301 (36.6%) were returned to the wild after treatment and wildlife adaptation training. Additionally, 980 (27.6%) died, and 498 (14.0%) were euthanized.
Excluding 668 animals that arrived at the center in an untreatable state (such as carcasses), the actual natural return rate was 45.1%, indicating that active treatment and rehabilitation efforts had a positive impact.
Lee Yeon-sook, Director of Animal Welfare at Gyeonggi-do, stated, "The sharp increase in wildlife rescue cases is because residents have gradually recognized the importance of protecting wild animals and have actively reported them. We will do our best to ensure that wild animals can return to nature and maintain a healthy ecosystem through prompt and active rescue and treatment."
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