A new study reveals that desperate North Koreans are resorting to hunting and consuming endangered species like tigers and badgers due to severe food shortages.
- Scientists from Britain and Norway report that starvation in North Korea has led citizens to hunt endangered species, including the Siberian tiger and badger.
- The black market for wildlife in North Korea is reportedly thriving, with government officials colluding with traffickers to trade hunted animals for survival.
- The dire situation reflects the broader humanitarian crisis in North Korea, exacerbated by economic mismanagement and sanctions, pushing people to extreme measures.
- Tigers and badgers, both classified as endangered species, are being sold and consumed as food, posing severe risks to biodiversity and conservation efforts in the region.
- This alarming trend shows the desperation of North Koreans, with many families turning to wildlife hunting as a last resort amid ongoing food insecurity.
Why It Matters
This situation highlights the severe humanitarian crisis affecting North Koreans, with widespread starvation forcing them to make dire choices. The illegal hunting and consumption of endangered species threaten biodiversity and conservation efforts, raising concerns for regional environmental health. The international community should monitor this crisis, as continued desperation may lead to increased illegal wildlife trade and further ecological damage.