This photo provided by the Jeju Provincial Government shows roe deer in Jeju island.
JEJU, April 1 (Korea Bizwire) – Roe deer in Jeju Island, driven away from their natural habitat due to reckless development, are being exposed to the dangers of deer-vehicle collisions and bush dog attacks.
The provincial government of Jeju Island reported that there were 3,500 roe deer on the island last year, down by 20.4 percent from the previous year (4,400) when hunting was allowed for a temporary period.
Compared to a reported 12,800 roe deer in 2009, the population has plunged by 72.7 percent in just 11 years.
Recent drops in the number of roe deer are attributed to extensive development of the middle mountainous area in the island.
As roe deer roam about looking for new habitat, many of them are hit by cars.
From 2010 to 2012, an average of 140 roe deer were killed collisions with vehicles each year. In 2013, the number grew to 330, before reaching 557 in 2019.
In addition, does and fawns are constantly exposed to attacks from feral dogs, putting a damper on any population growth.
“Wild dogs captured at Hallasan National Park turned out to be former pets abandoned by their families,” said an official at the Jeju World Natural Heritage Center.
“As they continue to attack the deer, they are becoming more likely to succeed in hunting them down.”
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
