Korean Red Foxes Ready for Comeback

The red fox, reportedly extinct in Korea, will make a comeback.

Seoul Grand Park conducted genetic tests on 10 foxes recently brought from China and announced the results on May 19. It was confirmed that the foxes’ genes match with native Korean foxes. Accordingly, the park plans to breed the foxes, multiply their number and then release them back into nature in locations such as Mt. Sobaek.

According to the park, seven males and three females, or a total of 10 red foxes, aged between two to three years and originally a native species to Korea, were imported from Hangzhou’s Night Safari on April 21. Genetic tests on the foxes revealed that they were identical to the North Korean native fox. Based on test results, experts consider the Korean red fox as the forefather of the foxes.

An official of the park commented, “It is the first time we reaped results after two years of matching foreign foxes’ genes in order to carry on the legacy of the native fox.”

The project to restore native foxes back to their habitats will come alive with such results. The park announced, “We will increase the number of foxes to about 50, and after consulting with the Ministry of Environment, we will release them in appropriate habitats such as Mt. Sobaek. If these native foxes adapt to the Korean natural environment, they will be recorded as the second wild animal that is restored back to nature, after the Manchurian black bear.”

gaea@donga.com