Population Over 2,000 Heads: Stray Dogs Become The Top Predator On Jeju Island, Threat To Humans

JAKARTA - Around 2,000 stray dogs are estimated to live in the mountains and hills of Jeju Island, becoming the island's top predator, a study showed Tuesday.

According to research conducted by Jeju National University Wildlife Rescue Center, from April 1 to December 15, between 1,626 and 2,168 wild dogs were estimated to live in its mountainous areas, between 300 meters and 600 meters above sea level.

The rescue center defines a stray dog as "a dog that was once owned by people but was lost or abandoned, and has come to live and breed in the mountains and fields". Animal breeds are also defined as "wild."

Citing the Korea Times on December 29, estimates of the number of stray dogs are based on how many animals are caught in hills and mountains within 300 meters to 600 meters. As well as environmental analysis in the area that connects Mount Halla and coastal lowland village areas.

As a matter of fact, stray dogs have become the island's apex predator, attacking not only livestock but also a threat to hikers and residents in the area, according to the center.

In June last year, six stray dogs infiltrated a cattle farm in Hallim-eup, killing four three-month-old calves.

Stray dogs often attack livestock on Jeju Island. Between 2018 and 2020, nearly 700 chickens, 170 ducks, nine cows, five calves, and one foal were killed by predators.

Therefore, the Jeju Provincial Government has taken precautionary measures since last July, such as setting traps in areas where stray dogs are often found. A total of 93 were arrested in the second half of 2020 alone.

Meanwhile, the center suggested that the provincial government take various additional measures, such as preventing pet dogs from being brought into the wild, implementing an animal registration system, promoting the adoption of abandoned animals, and sterilizing dogs. Another possible step to reduce the population of stray dogs is to designate them as dangerous wild animals that can be hunted.