"Even Keeping a Single Lizard or Frog Requires Reporting" Goyang City Implements Wildlife Reporting System

Goyang Launches Full-Scale Wildlife Reporting System
Easy Online Reporting Now Available
Existing Keepers Must Complete "Possession Report" by June 13

Goyang Special City in Gyeonggi Province (Mayor Lee Donghwan) announced on January 7 that it is fully implementing the "Wildlife Full-Cycle Management System" to systematically oversee every stage of the import, distribution, and storage of wildlife.

Goyang City, Official Announcement on the Full-Scale Implementation of the Wildlife Reporting System. Provided by Goyang Special City

The core of this system, which has been in effect since December 14 of last year, is to bring wildlife previously outside regulatory oversight into the official management framework. Previously, only certain legally managed species, such as those listed under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), were subject to reporting. Going forward, anyone who keeps even a single live or egg-stage mammal, bird, reptile, or amphibian-classified as "designated managed wildlife"-must report it to the relevant local government.

In principle, the import, introduction, transfer, acquisition, and storage of designated managed wildlife are prohibited. However, the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment has designated a "White List" of 888 species (9 mammals, 17 birds, 655 reptiles, and 207 amphibians) that can be imported and traded, taking into account their environmental impact and safety. Species included on the White List may be imported or traded after reporting, while species not on the list may only be permitted for public interest or research purposes as exceptions.

The reporting obligation depends on when the animal was acquired. Animals possessed before the system’s enforcement date of December 14, 2025, require a "possession report," while animals newly acquired after that date require a "transfer/acquisition report."

Even when animals such as crested geckos (Eyelash Gecko), sugar gliders, chinchillas, meerkats, or Australian green tree frogs (White's Tree Frog) are given or received for free through online communities or among acquaintances, a transfer/acquisition report must be filed to avoid penalties.

For those who were already keeping wildlife before the system’s enforcement date, a six-month grace period is granted. Accordingly, citizens who have been keeping such animals since before December 14, 2025, must complete the "possession report" with their local government by June 13, 2026, to continue keeping them legally.

For species on the White List, offspring born after the possession report (self-bred individuals) do not require separate reporting, reducing the burden on keepers. On the other hand, for species not included on the White List, existing animals may continue to be kept if reported within the grace period; however, breeding or transferring these animals to third parties is strictly prohibited.

The main obligations under the wildlife reporting system are: ▲ possession report ▲ transfer/acquisition report (for transfers and acquisitions occurring from the 1st to the end of each month, reporting must be completed by the 10th of the following month) ▲ death report (within 30 days of the animal’s death). Violations of reporting obligations may result in fines of up to 1 million won (with a first offense penalty of 300,000 won), so special attention is required.

Reporting can be conveniently completed online through the "Wildlife Integrated Management System" operated by the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment, which provides detailed information about the system and accepts submissions.

In particular, by searching for the species being kept in the "Species Information" menu within the system, users can immediately check whether reporting is required and proceed directly to the relevant application page. Citizens who have difficulty using the online system may visit the Environmental Policy Division of Goyang Special City and apply in writing.

An official from Goyang Special City emphasized, "This system is a measure to prevent zoonotic diseases and protect the ecosystem from disruption," adding, "We strongly urge citizens who keep reptiles and other animals at home, even on a small scale, to ensure they report within the designated period."