By Jhoo Dong-Chan
The Boeun County Office in North Chungcheong Province said Wednesday it will crack down on the poaching of hibernating frogs.
The move comes as many are coming to the region to illegally poach and traffic wild frogs after a groundless rumor was spread that the amphibian can serve as a health food that increases stamina.
Catching wild frogs is illegal according to the law on wild animals and plants protection, and those violating it are subject to up to two years in prison or up to 10 million won in fines.
“What’s more serious is that some poachers use ammonia to easily capture hibernating frogs, as ammonia irritates frogs’ skin respiration and makes them come out of their hibernacula,” a county official said.
“But the chemical could kill the frogs. Also, using the chemical can cause pollution of the ecosystem and secondary damage to human body if people eat them.”
The official said they are telling residents that poaching is illegal and are conducting the crackdown together with the Korea Society for the Protection of Wild Animals and the Korean Association for Conservation of Nature.