From November last year through May, officials recorded 1,022 mountain goat deaths. (Image courtesy of Yonhap) SEOUL, Oct. 28 (Korea Bizwire) – After the death of more than 1,000 Korean mountain goats – a natural monument and critically endangered species – last winter, the South Korean government has announced new protective measures for the upcoming winter season.
The Ministry of Environment and the National Heritage Administration revealed on October 27 that they will implement several protection strategies starting October 28, including the removal of additional African Swine Fever (ASF) prevention fences that had restricted the goats’ movement. From November last year through May, officials recorded 1,022 mountain goat deaths. Experts estimate that between one-third and half of South Korea’s native mountain goat population perished last winter.
Over 90% of the deaths were attributed to exhaustion or starvation. The government primarily blames the unusually early heavy snowfall in Gangwon Province, the goats’ main habitat, for the mass die-off. However, environmental groups argue that the tragedy was man-made, pointing to the ASF prevention fences that blocked the animals’ movement while they searched for food during the heavy snow.
The new protection plan includes opening additional sections of the ASF prevention barriers. Since May, authorities have been monitoring the effectiveness of 21 fence openings in northern Gangwon areas where ASF spread is less se.