Elves-Powell, J;
Kim, JH;
Axmacher, JC;
Durant, SM;
(2024)
The Trade in Eurasian Otter, Lutra lutra, in North Korea.
IUCN/SCC Otter Specialist Group Bulletin
, 41
(4)
pp. 182-188.
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Elves-Powell_et al. (2024) - Eurasian otter Lutra lutra trade in North Korea - IUCN SSC Otter Specialist Group Bulletin.pdf - Accepted Version Download (207kB) | Preview |
Abstract
Exploitation for the purpose of trade is considered an important threat to all Asian otter species. To date, there has been limited information available regarding the use and trade of Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK, or North Korea). This study provides the first assessment of otter trade in North Korea. Surveys with North Korean defectors revealed that despite hunting of the species having been banned in North Korea since 1959 and the species being listed on Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), Eurasian otters are opportunistically taken by North Korean hunters for illegal wildlife trade with buyers in the People’s Republic of China (China). Otter skins are reported to command a high price, compared to those of other furbearers, in black market trade. Eurasian otters are also reported to be farmed for their fur by the North Korean state for international trade to China, and potentially for domestic use. We caution that reported trade may breach China’s CITES commitments and should be addressed as a matter of priority.
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