Korea releases 30 endangered red foxes into wild to aid population recovery

A red fox inside an acclimatization facility ahead of its release into the wild / Courtesy of Korea National Park Service

The Korea National Park Service (KNPS) said Thursday that it has released 30 red foxes into the Mount Sobaek region as part of a long-term restoration project for the endangered species.

Red foxes were once commonly seen across Korea, but their population declined sharply in the 1970s due to widespread poisoning during a national rodent extermination campaign.

Since 2012, the KNPS has been working to reintroduce and stabilize red fox populations in Mount Sobaek National Park.

Of the 30 foxes released this week, 90 percent are 1-year-olds born last year. The soft-release process involves gradually opening the gates of the acclimatization facility to minimize stress and allow the animals to adapt to the environment on their own. It is expected to take about 10 days for all of them to fully exit the facility.

A red fox killed in a road accident. Courtesy of KNPS

Red foxes are mid-level predators that roam long distances and typically inhabit low mountain areas. They help maintain ecosystem balance by feeding on small animals such as rodents, birds, frogs and snakes.

While their maximum lifespan in the wild is estimated at nine years, few survive beyond six due to threats such as vehicle traffic, illegal traps, pesticides and disease.

During past restoration efforts, approximately 28 percent of released foxes have died due to these causes. According to the KNPS, mortality can reach up to 80 percent within the first year, especially shortly after release.

Currently, around 70 red foxes are estimated to be active in the Mount Sobaek area. Including those in other regions, the national population is believed to be around 110.

The KNPS said that after years of trial and error, it has improved breeding success by providing independent living spaces, identifying compatible mating pairs and encouraging natural reproduction.

Since 2019, an average of 30 kits have been born annually, indicating steady progress in the breeding program.

A red fox inside an acclimatization facility ahead of its release / Courtesy of KNPS

By 2027, the Ministry of Environment and the KNPS aim to increase the number of red foxes in Mount Sobaek to at least 100 and establish five or more small subpopulations with confirmed third-generation reproduction.

“We will continue to reduce threats and improve habitat conditions to help red foxes successfully return to the wild,” said Ju Dae-young, director of the KNPS. “We also ask for the public’s cooperation in promoting coexistence with wildlife.”

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.