Capital

Pyongyang

Official Language

Korean

Fun Fact

Due to severe fuel shortages, many rural trucks are retrofitted to run on wood gasification

National Animal

None

National Bird

Northern Goshawk

Add a PDF file and cover image

Animal Laws of North Korea

The Animal Laws of North Korea PDF contains the general animal protection laws and related statutes for North Korea. Uncaged World updates these bi-annually. Always check official sources for the most up-to-date legal status.

Animals of North Korea

Northern Goshawk

Conservation Status: Least Concern

The Northern Goshawk is a powerful bird of prey found in forests across North America, Europe, and Asia. Recognized by its broad wings, long tail, and striking red or orange eyes in adults, it is an agile hunter that pursues birds and small mammals through dense woodland. Northern Goshawks rely on speed, stealth, and exceptional maneuverability to capture prey. As a top forest predator, they play an important role in maintaining healthy woodland ecosystems.

Water Deer

Conservation Status: Vulnerable

The Water Deer is a small deer found in the wetlands, grasslands, and forests of Korea and eastern China. Unlike most deer, it has no antlers; instead, males possess long, tusk-like canine teeth used during territorial disputes. Korean Water Deer feed on grasses, reeds, leaves, and aquatic plants and are strong swimmers, often inhabiting areas close to rivers and marshes.

Amur Leopard

Conservation Status: Critically Endangered

The Amur Leopard is one of the world's rarest big cats, found in the temperate forests of the Russian Far East, the Koreas, and northeastern China. Recognized by its pale golden coat with large black rosettes and thick winter fur, it is well adapted to cold climates. A solitary predator, the Amur Leopard hunts deer, wild boar, and other mammals. Intensive conservation efforts have helped its population begin to recover, but it remains critically endangered due to habitat loss and poaching.

Amur Goral

Conservation Status: Vulnerable

The Amur Goral is a small mountain goat-antelope found in the rugged cliffs and forests of the Russian Far East, northeastern China, and the Korean Peninsula. It is recognized by its gray-brown coat, short backward-curving horns, and remarkable agility on steep rocky terrain. Amur Gorals feed on grasses, leaves, shrubs, and herbs and rely on their climbing skills to escape predators. Habitat loss and hunting have made the species vulnerable.

Steller’s Sea Eagle

Conservation Status: Vulnerable

The Steller's Sea Eagle is one of the world's largest and most powerful birds of prey, found along the coastal regions of northeastern Asia. It is recognized by its dark brown plumage, massive yellow bill, and striking white shoulders and tail. Feeding mainly on fish, especially salmon, as well as waterbirds and carrion, it is a dominant predator of coastal and river ecosystems. Habitat loss and environmental pollution threaten some populations of this magnificent eagle.

Eurasian Lynx

Conservation Status: Least Concern

The Eurasian Lynx is the largest lynx species, found in the forests and mountains of Europe and Asia. Recognized by its tufted ears, short tail, and spotted coat, it is a solitary predator that hunts deer, hares, and other small mammals. An excellent climber and stealthy hunter, the Eurasian Lynx plays an important role in maintaining healthy forest ecosystems by regulating prey populations.