North Korea's Hidden Wildlife Trade: A Threat to Global Conservation

Strategic Insights -

North Korea's illicit trade in wildlife has been kept under wraps, but a new study reveals the shocking truth behind the country's involvement in the black market for wild animals and plants. The research, conducted with colleagues in the UK and Norway, shows that almost every mammal species in North Korea is being captured for consumptive use or trade, including highly protected species like the long-tailed goral. The North Korean state itself appears to be profiting from unsustainable and illegal wildlife exploitation, with state-run wildlife farms producing and trading wildlife products, including body parts, across the border into China.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found that almost every mammal species in North Korea larger than a hedgehog is being captured for consumptive use or trade, including highly protected species.
  • The North Korean state is directly involved in wildlife trade, with state-run wildlife farms producing and trading wildlife products, including body parts, across the border into China.
  • The trade is not officially recognized by either government, and North Korea is one of the few countries that is not a party to the CITES treaty that regulates international trade in endangered species.
  • The research suggests that the trade is not limited to the black market, with sustainable hunting practices being used by some residents, while others are involved in the sale of stolen or smuggled wildlife products.
  • The study highlights the potential consequences of this trade, including the impact on local ecosystems and global conservation efforts.

Statistics:

  • Between 1994 and 1998, North Korea suffered a severe famine that resulted in between deaths.
  • The study found that almost every mammal species in North Korea larger than a hedgehog is being captured for consumptive use or trade.
  • The long-tailed goral, a highly protected species, is being traded across the border into China, in violation of China's commitments under CITES.
  • The study suggests that North Korea is home to millions of wildlife products being traded across the border into China.

Sources:

  • The Conversation, "North Korea's hidden wildlife trade: a threat to global conservation"
  • CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora)
  • Research England
  • The London NERC DTP (Natural Environment Research Council Doctoral Training Partnership)