Gwangju City Cracks Down on Wildlife 'Poaching and Illegal Trade'

Joint Operation with Related Agencies Until March Next Year

Illegal traps for capturing wild animals collected. Provided by Gwangju City

On the 17th, Gwangju City announced that it will conduct intensive crackdowns on wildlife poaching and trafficking until March next year to protect wild animals and their habitats.

This crackdown will be carried out jointly with related organizations such as the Yeongsangang River Basin Environmental Office, five autonomous districts, and the Wildlife Management Association. It will target wildlife habitats and migratory bird sites throughout Gwangju, as well as health centers, food handling businesses, and illegal capture product sellers suspected of poaching and trafficking.

The main focus of the crackdown includes wildlife poaching and trafficking, illegal production and sale of traps, and illegal processing, sale, and acquisition of captured animals. Illegal traps such as snares, leg-hold traps, and snake nets set for illegal capture will also be collected.

If illegal activities are detected, offenders will be subject to up to five years of imprisonment or fines up to 50 million won under the Wildlife Protection and Management Act. If you witness illegal capture or poaching, report it to the Environmental Hotline (dial 128 without area code), the local government, or the police station.

Kim Osuk, Director of Environmental Conservation Division, said, “Illegal poaching and trafficking of wild animals can disrupt the ecological balance and threaten biodiversity,” adding, “Active reporting and tips from citizens are necessary.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.