JEJU, Nov. 16 (Korea Bizwire) – The population of Jeju roe deer, which fell below 4,000 during a period of halted hunting, is gradually on the rise. However, it still falls significantly short of the recommended population target of 6,100.
Even after the cessation of hunting, the population has struggled to rebound to optimal levels due to factors such as wild dog attacks and roadkill incidents involving cars.
Furthermore, the growth rate has been slower compared to the past, attributed to the gradual loss of stable prey areas and the presence of competing deer species. Despite these challenges, the recent increase is a positive development.
According to Jeju Island reports on Thursday, the estimated number of roe deer in the province this year stands at 4,800, marking a notable increase of over 500, or 11.6 percent, from the 4,300 recorded last year.
The density of roe deer per square kilometer is reported at 3.32 animals, surpassing the previous year’s average of 2.96. In 2009, the roe deer population on Jeju Island peaked at 12,800, leading researchers to express concerns about their impact on crops.
Consequently, Jeju roe deer were classified as an endangered species from 2013 to the end of June 2019, during which firearms were permitted for population control.
The implementation of these measures resulted in a decline in the roe deer population, dropping from over 10,000 to 7,600 in 2015 and further to 6,200 in 2016.
Since 2017, the number of roe deer has consistently remained below the optimal level, with figures of 5,700 in 2017, 3,900 in 2018, 4,400 in 2019, 3,500 in 2020, and 4,200 in 2021.
Image credit: Yonhap, Jeju Island Government / photonews@koreabizwire.com
