Jeju Island Declares Deer as Harmful and Fines Pigeon Feeding to Protect Ecosystems

Jeju Island to Classify Deer as Harmful Wildlife Amidst Ecological Concerns

Jeju Island, South Korea, is preparing to formally designate deer as “harmful wildlife” and implement restrictions on pigeon feeding, according to an announcement made on October 28, 2025.This decision stems from growing concerns about the ecological impact of the increasing deer population and the associated public health and heritage issues related to urban bird populations.

Deer Population growth and Ecological Impact

The move to classify deer as harmful wildlife aligns with new national enforcement guidelines established by the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment, wich take effect later this year. A recent report from the Jeju Island World Heritage Headquarters, released in March of the previous year, indicated a meaningful presence of deer – approximately 190 Sika deer – inhabiting pastures near the national park during the winter months. Further observations revealed that between 200 and 250 deer where clustered in mid-mountainous ranch areas, frequently enough in groups of 10 to 20.

These deer, notably larger than native roe deer-two to five times in size with considerably larger antlers-pose a threat to the indigenous roe deer population and disrupt the delicate balance of local ecosystems, potentially impacting species like badgers, weasels, and salamanders. The potential for negative impacts on biodiversity prompted the island’s authorities to take action.

Pigeon Control Measures

Alongside the deer designation, Jeju Island is also set to prohibit the feeding of domestic pigeons, a measure also mandated under the national ‘Wildlife Protection and Management Act’. This decision comes in response to increasing public concerns regarding hygiene, damage to cultural sites and buildings, and the potential spread of infectious diseases linked to pigeon populations.

officials are establishing designated “no-feeding zones” encompassing city parks, squares, cultural and sports facilities, markets, heritage protection areas, and locations with a history of related complaints. Violators face potential fines up to 1 million Korean won.

Did You Know? The designation of animals as “harmful wildlife” is a legal framework used to manage populations that pose a significant threat to ecosystems, agriculture, or public safety.

Addressing Public Concerns and Maintaining Ecological Balance

Kang Ae-sook,Head of Jeju Island’s Climate and Environment Bureau,emphasized that these measures aim to foster a harmonious coexistence between humans and wildlife,while safeguarding the island’s ecological integrity. She further stated that the ordinance revision will be completed this year to reinforce field-based wildlife management practices.

Animal	Designation Change	reason
Deer	Harmful Wildlife	Ecological impact on roe deer and other species
Pigeons	Harmful Wildlife	Public health, damage to infrastructure, disease risk

Pro Tip: Supporting local conservation efforts and adhering to wildlife management regulations are crucial steps in protecting biodiversity and maintaining healthy ecosystems.

Understanding Wildlife Management in Island Ecosystems

Island ecosystems are especially vulnerable to the impact of invasive species and changes in wildlife populations. The unique biodiversity found on islands frequently enough lacks the natural defenses to cope with introduced or rapidly growing animal populations. Effective wildlife management strategies, such as those being implemented on Jeju Island, are essential for preserving these fragile environments. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) provides extensive resources on invasive species management globally.

Frequently Asked Questions about Jeju Island’s Wildlife Management

• What makes deer harmful on Jeju Island? deer pose a threat to the native roe deer population and can disrupt the balance of local ecosystems.
• Why is pigeon feeding being prohibited? Pigeon feeding raises concerns about hygiene, damage to cultural sites, and the spread of diseases.
• What are the penalties for feeding pigeons on Jeju Island? Individuals caught feeding pigeons could face fines of up to 1 million Korean won.
• When will the new regulations regarding deer and pigeons take effect? The regulatory changes are expected to be implemented by the end of 2025.
• How does this align with national wildlife management policies? The changes are in line with new enforcement rules from the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment.
• What is Jeju Island doing to manage the deer population? The island is designating deer as harmful wildlife and strengthening field-based management systems.
• Where will the “no-feeding zones” be located? These zones will include parks, squares, facilities, markets, heritage areas, and complaint locations.

What are yoru thoughts on these new wildlife management strategies? Do you believe similar measures are needed in other regions? Share your opinions in the comments below!

What specific data led to the decision to classify deer as “harmful wildlife” on Jeju Island?

The Growing Ecological Imbalance on Jeju Island

Jeju Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its unique biodiversity and stunning landscapes, is facing increasing ecological challenges. Recent measures taken by local authorities – declaring wild deer as harmful wildlife and implementing fines for pigeon feeding – highlight the severity of the situation and the proactive steps being taken to restore balance to the island’s delicate ecosystems. These decisions, while controversial, are rooted in scientific data demonstrating the detrimental impact of overpopulation and unnatural food sources on native flora and fauna. This article delves into the specifics of these policies,the reasoning behind them,and their potential long-term effects on Jeju’s environment. Keywords: jeju Island, ecosystem protection, deer management, pigeon feeding, wildlife conservation, South Korea, environmental policy.

Declaring Deer as Harmful Wildlife: A Necessary Step?

For years, the deer population on Jeju Island has been steadily increasing, largely due to the decline of natural predators and mild winters. this surge in deer numbers has led to important damage to agricultural lands,forests,and native plant life.

* Agricultural Damage: Deer frequently raid crops, causing significant economic losses for local farmers. Commonly affected crops include mandarin oranges, a key agricultural product of Jeju.

* Forest Degradation: Overgrazing by deer hinders forest regeneration, impacting the long-term health and resilience of Jeju’s forests. This also affects the habitat of other native species.

* Biodiversity Loss: Deer consume native plant species, disrupting the natural vegetation structure and threatening the survival of rare and endangered plants. Jeju native plants are particularly vulnerable.

The designation of deer as “harmful wildlife” allows for more effective population control measures, including regulated hunting and sterilization programs. This classification is not aimed at eradication,but rather at managing the deer population to a sustainable level that allows the ecosystem to recover. The decision follows similar approaches taken in other regions facing deer overpopulation issues.

The Pigeon Feeding Ban: Disrupting the Natural Food Chain

The seemingly harmless act of feeding pigeons has been identified as a major contributor to ecological problems on Jeju Island. While well-intentioned, providing pigeons with readily available food sources has several negative consequences:

* Population Explosion: Artificial feeding leads to a rapid increase in the pigeon population, exceeding the carrying capacity of the environment.

* Disease Transmission: Concentrations of pigeons in urban areas increase the risk of disease transmission to both birds and humans. Avian diseases are a growing concern.

* Competition with Native Birds: Pigeons outcompete native bird species for food and nesting sites, leading to a decline in their populations. This impacts the overall avian biodiversity of the island.

* environmental Pollution: Pigeon droppings contribute to environmental pollution and can damage historical structures.

The newly implemented fines for pigeon feeding are intended to discourage this practice and allow the pigeon population to return to a more natural level. Fines range from [Insert specific fine amount – research needed] and are actively being enforced in public spaces. Wildlife feeding bans are becoming increasingly common globally.

Long-Term Ecosystem Restoration Goals

The combined measures of deer management and pigeon feeding restrictions are part of a broader strategy to restore the ecological health of Jeju Island. Key goals include:

1. Protecting Native Flora: Reducing grazing pressure from deer and competition from pigeons will allow native plant species to recover and thrive.
2. Enhancing Biodiversity: A balanced ecosystem supports a greater diversity of plant and animal life.
3. Sustainable Agriculture: Controlling deer populations will minimize damage to agricultural lands, ensuring the long-term viability of farming on the island.
4. Preserving Jeju’s natural Heritage: Protecting the island’s unique ecosystems is crucial for maintaining its status as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Jeju Island UNESCO status is a key driver for conservation efforts.

Case Study: Similar Ecological Challenges in Other Regions

Jeju Island isn’t alone in facing these types of ecological challenges. Several other regions have implemented similar strategies to address wildlife overpopulation and the negative impacts of human intervention.