A chilling new study has uncovered the extreme measures North Koreans are taking to survive amid catastrophic food shortages, with reports of people consuming protected wildlife including tigers, badgers and raccoon dogs.
Desperate Measures in the Hermit Kingdom
Research published in the journal Human Ecology reveals how ordinary citizens are turning to increasingly desperate means to feed their families as the nation's food crisis deepens. The findings paint a grim picture of survival in one of the world's most isolated countries.
"People are eating anything they can find," stated one researcher familiar with the study. "When traditional food sources disappear, survival instincts take over."
Protected Species Becoming Prey
The study documented numerous instances of North Koreans hunting and consuming:
- Asian black bears - a protected species
- Pere David's deer - considered extinct in the wild
- Wild boar and raccoon dogs - becoming increasingly common in diets
- Various bird species - including protected cranes
This alarming trend represents not only a humanitarian crisis but also an environmental catastrophe, with endangered species being pushed closer to extinction.
Economic Collapse and International Sanctions
Experts attribute the desperate situation to multiple factors:
- Severe economic sanctions limiting food imports
- Failed agricultural policies and outdated farming methods
- Climate-related disasters affecting crop yields
- Government prioritisation of military spending over citizen welfare
The United Nations has repeatedly warned about North Korea's food insecurity, with nearly half the population facing malnutrition according to recent estimates.
International Response and Concerns
Human rights organisations have expressed grave concerns about the findings, calling for immediate international intervention. However, the reclusive nature of Kim Jong-un's regime makes effective aid distribution challenging.
"This isn't just about politics anymore," commented a humanitarian worker. "We're witnessing a complete breakdown of basic survival mechanisms for millions of people."
The situation appears to be worsening despite North Korea's claims of self-sufficiency, with researchers warning that without significant intervention, the consequences could be devastating for both the population and the region's biodiversity.
