Below you can find a complete list of North Korean animals. We currently track 227 animals in North Korea and are adding more every day!
The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea — commonly known as North Korea — is unusual in that it’s arguably the most politically and culturally isolated nation in the world. Due to the country’s lack of international cooperation and commitment to secrecy, less is known about North Korea’s wildlife and animals.
Animals of North Korea
Historically, the Korean Peninsula was a biodiversity hot spot and part of the Palearctic realm. But 50-plus years of regional strife has pushed North Korea’s environment into a unique state of “catastrophe,” and many area animal populations are feared extinct. Rapid deforestation has triggered severe flooding problems, and high-octane pollution is quickly choking wildlife into regional extinction.
Despite the unusual isolationist circumstances, scientists and researchers use data from other regional countries to compile dossiers and guesstimates about North Korea’s wild animals. But such reports should never be taken as gospel because we simply don’t have the facts.
The DMZ: North Korea’s Rare Conservation Hot Spot
There is one last hope for North Korea’s animals: the demilitarized zone that divides Korea, aka the DMZ.
Over the past half-century, the 38th parallel has become a unique wildlife haven. Forests have grown back in the area, and rare animals once thought lost are resurging in the people-free stretch of land.
Technically, the DMZ is not part of either North or South Korea. However, if authorities can develop collaborative conservation initiatives, the DMZ’s natural bounty may help jump-start North Korea’s ecosystem.
The Official National Animal
North Korea is one of the few nations that doesn’t have an official national animal, but the Chollima, a mythological winged horse, popular in many Asian mythologies, is a national symbol.
The country does have a national dog: the Pungsang. A rare canine breed, Pungsangs are hunting dogs that originated in the Kaema highlands of North Korea. With their smiling faces and friendly eyes, Pungsangs rank among the cutest dogs. But international kennel clubs have a less favorable opinion of the pups, considering them to be a Siberian husky variant “only less physically impressive and with behavioral issues.”
North Korea also recognizes a national bird — the northern goshawk. It’s scientific name is Accipiter gentilis. Accipiter means “hawk,” and gentilis means “noble,” a reference to the fact that only nobles could fly the species for falconry purposes in the Middle Ages.
Where to Find the Top Wild Animals in North Korea
North Korean tourism is unusual in that it’s tightly controlled. All visitors are assigned government-appointed monitors and aren’t free to go where they want or visit nature reserves with wild animals — if there even are any. And while there is a zoo in North Korea’s capital of Pyongyang, it doesn’t have many animals, the enclosures are made of fake trees, and its biggest attraction is a chain-smoking chimpanzee named Azalea.
The Most Dangerous Animals in North Korea Today
What are the most dangerous animals in and around this country?
- Mosquitos
- Jellyfish
- Vipers
- Tiger Snakes
- Wild Boars
- Pufferfish
- Giant Asian Hornets
Endangered Animals in North Korea
Due to limited data, it’s tough to say which animals are endangered or extinct in North Korea specifically. However, scientists do have data from South Korea from which we can extrapolate information.
According to some reports, North Korea is home to 105 mammals, of which seven are endangered, six are vulnerable, and three are near threatened.
Determining the number and species of endangered and extinct animals in this region is near impossible at the moment since researchers cannot work for extended periods in the country, and North Korean scientists don’t distribute data to other nations.
Flag of North Korea
The North Korean flag has a red horizontal stripe in the center, that is bordered by thin white lines above and below. The bottom and top edge are dark blue horizontal bands. Towards the upper-left portion, sits a red star. The red color represents lives lost by citizen’s who fought for their country. The white stands for cultural unity, while blue stands for the Korean people’s hope for progress and peace.
North Korean Animals
Admiral Butterfly
Stunningly beautiful wings
Alaskan Pollock
It's one of the most commonly eaten fish in the world
Amur Leopard
The Amur leopard may be the rarest big cat on Earth!
Ant
First evolved 100 million years ago!
Antelope
Renew their horns every year!
Armyworm
They are so named because they "march" in armies of worms from one crop to another in search of food
Asian Lady Beetle
Asian lady beetles infest indoor spaces, but they do not reproduce indoors.
Asiatic Black Bear
Known to eat 160 different tree-borne fruits in Thailand!
Aurochs
Extinct ancestor of all domesticated cattle!
Banana Spider
People spin clothing and fishing nets out of these spiders’ silk.
Barb
There are over 1768 known species!
Barn Owl
Found everywhere around the world!
Barn Swallow
Older offspring help care for new hatchlings.
Bat
Detects prey using echolocation!
Bear
There are 8 different species!
Bed Bugs
Bed bugs feed for 4-12 minutes.
Bee
Rock paintings of bees date back 15,000 years
Beetle
There are more than 350,000 different species
Bird
Not all birds are able to fly!
Biscuit Beetle
The biscuit beetle form a symbiotic relationship with yeast
Black Widow Spider
They typically prey on insects!
Brazilian Treehopper
“Mild-Mannered Minimonsters”
Brown Dog Tick
Can live its entire life indoors
Bumblebee
The most common species of bee!
Butterfly
There are thought to be up 17,500 species!
Camel Cricket
The camel crickets that are found in the USA are light brown in color. They also have dark streaks all over their body.
Carpenter Ant
Carpenter ants can lift up to seven times their own weight with their teeth!
Cat
First domesticated by the Ancient Egyptians!
Caterpillar
The larvae of a moth or butterfly!
Catfish
There are nearly 3,000 different species!
Centipede
There are about 3,000 documented species!
Chicken
First domesticated more than 10,000 years ago!
Chinese Geese
They are excellent “guard geese”
Chinese Water Deer
They usually have 2-3 young at a time but can have up to 7!
Cinereous Vulture
This vulture can fly at great heights. At least one was found a few thousand feet from the top of Mount Everest.
Cockroach
Dated to be around 300 million years old!
Codling Moth
Pupae are able to undergo diapause to survive poor fruit yield years and winter.
Common Buzzard
The most common raptor in the UK!
Common European Adder
European adders are the only snake that lives above the Arctic Circle.
Common Furniture Beetle
The common furniture beetle feeds exclusively on wood
Common House Spider
House spiders have the ability to eat most insects in a home.
Cormorant
They can fly 35 mph and dive 150 feet below water.
Cow
There are nearly 1.5 billion worldwide!
Crab
There are 93 different crab groups
Crab Spider
Crab Spiders can mimic ants or bird droppings
Crane
Many are critically endangered species!
Cricket
Male crickets can produce sounds by rubbing their wings together
Crocodile
Have changed little in 200 million years!
Crow
A group of these birds is called a Murder.
Deer
There are around 40 different species!
Diving Bell Spider (Water Spider)
Diving bell spiders can breathe underwater using an air bubble on their abdomen
Dog
First domesticated in South-East Asia!
Dog Tick
Dog ticks feed on dogs and other mammals
Donkey
First domesticated 5,000 years ago!
Dragonfly
It's larvae are carnivorous!
Duck
Rows of tiny plates line their teeth!
Dung Beetle
The dung beetle can push objects many times its own weight
Eagle
Has exceptional eyesight!
Earthworm
They are hermaphrodites, which means they have male and female organs
Earwig
There are nearly 2,000 different species!
Eel
Eels can be a mere few inches long to 13 feet!
Eurasian Bullfinch
The shy eurasian bullfinch prefers to forage very close to cover.
Eurasian Eagle-owl
The Eurasian Eagle-owl is the second largest owl in the world with a wingspan up to six feet!
Eurasian Jay
The Eurasian jay has the ability to mimic other sounds
Eurasian Lynx
Eurasian lynxes can survive extreme weather up to elevations of 18,000 feet
European Goldfinch
They are frequent visitors to backyard feeders, especially those containing niger seeds.
Falcon
The fastest creatures on the planet!
False Widow Spider
False spiders actually prey on black widow spiders and other hazardous spiders
Fire-Bellied Toad
Found across mainland Europe and Asia!
Firefly
The firefly produces some of the most efficient light in the world
Flea
Adult fleas can jump up to 7 inches in the air
Fly
There are more than 240,000 different species!
Flying Squirrel
Can glide up to 90 meters!
Fox
Only 12 species are considered "true foxes"
Freshwater Eel
Freshwater eels are actually catadromous, meaning they migrate to saltwater to spawn
Frog
There are around 7,000 different species!
Fruit Fly
Fruit flies are among the most common research animals in the world
Gazelle
Named for the Arabic word for love poems
Gecko
There are thought to be over 2,000 species!
Gerbil
Originally known as the Desert Rat!
German Cockroach
The most common type of urban roach
Glass Lizard
Can grow up to 4ft long!
Glowworm
Found inhabiting dense woodland and caves!
Gnat
Males form large mating swarms at dusk
Goat
Most closely related to the Sheep!
Goldcrest
The goldcrest never starts moving and needs to consume for most of the day to survive. Therefore, in the colder months, it's best that eat 90% a day.
Golden Eagle
Their calls sound like high-pitched screams, but they are quiet most of the time.
Golden Oriole
Migrates between Europe and Asia!
Goose
There are 29 different species!
Gourami
Gourami fishes show parental care for their young
Grasshopper
There are 11,000 known species!
Green Bee-Eater
Mainly eats honeybees!
Gypsy Moth
One of the most invasive species in the world
Hamster
Able to run as quickly backwards as forwards!
Hare
Can reach speeds of over 50 mph!
Hawk Moth Caterpillar
Many hawk moth caterpillars eat toxins from plants, but don’t sequester them the way milkweed butterflies do. Most toxins are excreted.
Hedgehog
Thought to be one of the oldest mammals on Earth!
Heron
Inhabits wetlands around the world!
Herring Gull
They are loud, spirited birds with raucous cries that sound like bursts of laughter.
Honey Bee
There are only 8 recognized species!
Hoopoe
Stunning bird with a stinky way to deter predators!
Horse
Has evolved over 50 million years!
Horsefly
Horseflies have been seen performing Immelmann turns, much like fighter jets.
Horseshoe Crab
Changed little in over 500 million years!
Housefly
The fly has no teeth
Human
Thought to have orignated 200,000 years ago!
Huntsman Spider
Some huntsman spiders have an interesting way of moving around. Some cartwheel while others do handsprings or backflips.
Ibis
Found in swamps, marshes and wetlands!
Insects
There are an estimated 30 million species!
Jackdaw
The jackdaw tends to mate for life with a single partner
Jerboa
Tiny rodent with a kangaroo-like jump!
Joro Spider
Shares its name with a Japanese "spider demon"!
Jumping Spider
Some can jump 50 times the length of their bodies
Keelback
The checkered keelback of the east Indies can detach its tail and grow it back, much like a lizard.
Kingfisher
Inhabits wetlands and woodlands worldwide!
Ladybug
There are more than 5,000 species worldwide!
Leech
Has 10 pairs of eyes!
Leopard Cat
There are 11 different species!
Liger
The offspring of a lion and tiger parents!
Lizard
There are around 5,000 different species!
Locust
Each locust can eat its weight in plants each day.
Long-Eared Owl
Ear tufts make it look bigger!
Long-Tailed Tit
Often hangs upside down while feeding!
Magpie
They are found across Europe, Asia and Africa!
Masked Palm Civet
Found throughout Asia, India and China!
Mayfly
There are 2,500 known species worldwide!
Mealybug
They have a symbiotic relationship with ants.
Merganser
They line their nests with their feathers
Millipede
Some species have a poisonous bite!
Mole
Primarily hunts and feeds on Earthworms!
Mole Cricket
Adult Mole crickets may fly as far as 5 miles during mating season and are active most of the year.
Mongoose
Range in size from just 1 to 3 foot!
Mongrel
Has characteristics of two or more breeds!
Monitor Lizard
Some species are thought to carry a weak venom!
Monkey
There are around 260 known species!
Moorhen
Feeds on aquatic insects and water-spiders!
Mosquito
Only the female mosquito actually sucks blood
Moth
There are 250,000 different species!
Mouse
Found on every continent on Earth!
Mule
The offspring of a horse and donkey parents!
Neanderthal
Roamed Asia and Europe for around 100,000 years!
Newt
Able to regrow lost or damaged limbs!
Nightingale
Named more than 1,000 years ago!
No See Ums
There are more than 5,000 species.
Orb Weaver
Females are about four times the size of males
Osprey
They reuse nesting sites for 70 years!
Otter
There are 13 different species worldwide
Owl
The owl can rotate its head some 270 degrees
Parrot
Can live for up to 100 years!
Peacock Butterfly
The eyespots on this butterfly’s wings deter predators from attacking.
Peppered Moth
Teachers in schools often use the evolution of the peppered moth as a good example of Darwin’s theory of natural selection.
Peregrine Falcon
Fastest animal on Earth
Pheasant
Females lay between 8 and 12 eggs per clutch!
Pig
Thought to have been domesticated in 9,000 BC!
Pigeon
They can find their way back to their nests from up to 1300 miles away.
Pika
Found in mountainous regions and rocky areas
Pink Salmon
The smallest of the North American salmon
Pit Viper
Pit vipers's fangs fold up into their mouths when they don't need them.
Pond Skater
There are 500 different species!
Porcupine
There are 30 different species worldwide!
Quail
Inhabits woodland and forest areas worldwide!
Rabbit
There are more than 300 different species!
Rat
Omnivores that eat anything!
Rat Snakes
Rat snakes are constrictors from the Colubridae family of snakes.
Rhinoceros
It's horns are made from keratin!
River Turtle
Inhabits freshwater habitats around the world!
Robin
There are more than 45 species in Australia alone!
Rodents
The capybara, the world’s largest rodent, likes to be in and around bodies of water. Because of this, the Catholic Church in South America decided that it was a fish, and people were allowed to eat it during Lent and First Fridays.
Rooster
Will mate with the entire flock!
Rough-Legged Hawk (Rough-Legged Buzzard)
Its scientific name, lagopus, is Ancient Greek for “hare” and “foot,” referring to its feathered feet and toes.
Sable
Their fur has been considered a luxury item since the Middle Ages
Sable Ferret
Ferrets were used during the Revolutionary War to keep down the rat population.
Salamander
There are more than 700 different species!
Sambar
Male sambars will compete for mates by clashing together with their antlers
Sand Crab
The sand crab burrows beneath the sand with its tail
Scorpion
There are around 2,000 known species!
Sea Eagle
The sea eagle tends to mate for life with a single partner
Seahorse
Males give birth to up to 1,000 offspring!
Sheep
Around 35 million in the English countryside!
Short-Eared Owl
The short-eared owl is one of the most widespread owl species in the world, covering five continents.
Shrew
The spinal column of the shrew Scutisorex somereni is so strong and reinforced that it can support the weight of an adult human.
Shrimp
There are 2,000 different species worldwide!
Skink Lizard
Some skinks lay eggs in some habitats while giving birth to skinklets in other habitats.
Slow Worm
Found widely throughout British gardens!
Slug
They glide around on one foot, which is aided by the slime they produce
Smokybrown Cockroach
Has up to 45 eggs per egg case
Snail
There are nearly 1,000 different species!
Snake
There are around 4,000 known species worldwide
Sparrow
There are 140 different species!
Spider Wasp
They prey on spiders to feed their larvae or they parasitize other spider wasps.
Squirrel
Small rodents found in woodlands worldwide!
Stick Insect
There are more than 3,000 different species!
Stoat
Average adults weigh about 200 grams!
Swan
Populations have been affected by pollution!
Tarantula Hawk
Tarantula hawks are excellent pollinators, especially for milkweed.
Termite
Their mounds can be up to 9 meters tall!
Thrush
The American robin is called the robin because its red breast reminded European settlers of the robin back in the old country.
Tick
They inject hosts with a chemical that stops them from feeling the pain of the bite
Tiger
The largest feline in the world!
Tiger Beetle
The adult tiger beetle is one of the fastest land insects in the world
Tortoise
Can live until they are more than 150 years old!
Tree Cricket
They make music with their wings
Tree Frog
Found in warmer jungles and forests!
Turtles
Some species of aquatic turtles can get up to 70 percent of their oxygen through their butt.
Ural owl
The Ural owl can rotate its head up to 270 degrees
Vinegaroon
Vinegaroons can spray 19 times before the glands are depleted
Viper
Vipers are one of the most widespread groups of snakes and inhabit most
Vulture
There are 30 different species worldwide!
Wasp
There are around 75,000 recognised species!
Water Buffalo
Has been domesticated for thousands of years!
Water Dragon
Spends most of it's time in the trees!
Weasel
The smallest carnivorous mammal in the world!
White Ferret / Albino Ferrets
There are two different types of white ferrets!
White Tiger
None have been seen in the wild for 50 years!
Wild Boar
Males have a top tusk to sharpen the bottom one!
Wolf
Thought to date back more than 300,000 years!
Wolf Spider
Carnivorous arachnid that hunts its prey.
Woodlouse
This animal can roll up into a ball
Woodlouse Spider
Unlike most spiders, woodlouse spiders don’t build a web.
Woodpecker
There are 200 different species!
Worm
Doesn’t have eyes.
Wryneck
They feign death by making their bodies limp and closing their eyes.
Zebu
There are around 75 different species!
North Korean Animals List
- Admiral Butterfly
- Alaskan Pollock
- Amur Leopard
- Ant
- Antelope
- Armyworm
- Asian Lady Beetle
- Asiatic Black Bear
- Aurochs
- Banana Spider
- Barb
- Barn Owl
- Barn Swallow
- Bat
- Bear
- Bed Bugs
- Bee
- Beetle
- Bird
- Biscuit Beetle
- Black Widow Spider
- Brazilian Treehopper
- Brown Dog Tick
- Bumblebee
- Butterfly
- Camel Cricket
- Carpenter Ant
- Cat
- Caterpillar
- Catfish
- Centipede
- Chicken
- Chinese Geese
- Chinese Water Deer
- Cinereous Vulture
- Cockroach
- Codling Moth
- Common Buzzard
- Common European Adder
- Common Furniture Beetle
- Common House Spider
- Cormorant
- Cow
- Crab
- Crab Spider
- Crane
- Cricket
- Crocodile
- Crow
- Cuckoo
- Deer
- Diving Bell Spider (Water Spider)
- Dog
- Dog Tick
- Donkey
- Dormouse
- Dragonfly
- Duck
- Dung Beetle
- Eagle
- Earthworm
- Earwig
- Eel
- Eurasian Bullfinch
- Eurasian Eagle-owl
- Eurasian Jay
- Eurasian Lynx
- European Goldfinch
- Falcon
- False Widow Spider
- Fire-Bellied Toad
- Firefly
- Flea
- Fly
- Flying Squirrel
- Fox
- Freshwater Eel
- Frog
- Fruit Fly
- Gazelle
- Gecko
- Gerbil
- German Cockroach
- Glass Lizard
- Glowworm
- Gnat
- Goat
- Goldcrest
- Golden Eagle
- Golden Oriole
- Goose
- Gourami
- Grasshopper
- Green Bee-Eater
- Gypsy Moth
- Hamster
- Hare
- Hawk Moth Caterpillar
- Hedgehog
- Heron
- Herring Gull
- Honey Bee
- Hoopoe
- Horse
- Horsefly
- Horseshoe Crab
- Housefly
- Human
- Huntsman Spider
- Ibis
- Insects
- Jackdaw
- Jerboa
- Joro Spider
- Jumping Spider
- Keelback
- Kingfisher
- Ladybug
- Leech
- Leopard Cat
- Liger
- Lizard
- Locust
- Long-Eared Owl
- Long-Tailed Tit
- Magpie
- Masked Palm Civet
- Mayfly
- Mealybug
- Merganser
- Millipede
- Mole
- Mole Cricket
- Mongoose
- Mongrel
- Monitor Lizard
- Monkey
- Moorhen
- Mosquito
- Moth
- Mouse
- Mule
- Neanderthal
- Newt
- Nightingale
- No See Ums
- Orb Weaver
- Osprey
- Otter
- Owl
- Ox
- Parrot
- Peacock Butterfly
- Peppered Moth
- Peregrine Falcon
- Pheasant
- Pig
- Pigeon
- Pika
- Pink Salmon
- Pit Viper
- Pond Skater
- Porcupine
- Quail
- Rabbit
- Rat
- Rat Snakes
- Rhinoceros
- River Turtle
- Robin
- Rodents
- Rooster
- Rough-Legged Hawk (Rough-Legged Buzzard)
- Sable
- Sable Ferret
- Salamander
- Sambar
- Sand Crab
- Scorpion
- Sea Eagle
- Seahorse
- Sheep
- Short-Eared Owl
- Shrew
- Shrimp
- Skink Lizard
- Slow Worm
- Slug
- Smokybrown Cockroach
- Snail
- Snake
- Sparrow
- Spider Wasp
- Squirrel
- Stick Insect
- Stoat
- Swallowtail Butterfly
- Swan
- Tarantula Hawk
- Termite
- Thrush
- Tick
- Tiger
- Tiger Beetle
- Tortoise
- Tree Cricket
- Tree Frog
- Turtles
- Ural owl
- Vinegaroon
- Viper
- Vulture
- Wasp
- Water Buffalo
- Water Dragon
- Weasel
- White Ferret / Albino Ferrets
- White Tiger
- Wild Boar
- Wolf
- Wolf Spider
- Woodlouse
- Woodlouse Spider
- Woodpecker
- Worm
- Wryneck
- Zebu
Animals in North Korea FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
What Animals Live in North Korea?
The animal most unique to North Korea is the Amur leopard — and scientists aren’t sure if individuals of the critically endangered species live within the country or if they’re just in the DMZ. Other animals in the region include white-naped cranes, Asiatic black bears, lynxes, Siberian musk deers, Korean hares, Korean crevice salamanders, Korean gorals, and Minke whales.
For a complete list of North Korean animal species, scroll down.
What Dangerous Animals Live in North Korea?
The seven most dangerous animals in North Korea are mosquitos, giant Asian hornets, jellyfish, vipers, tiger snakes, wild boars, and pufferfish.
Does North Korea Have a Zoo?
Yes, North Korea’s zoo is in Pyongyang. It goes by three names: Korea Central Zoo, Pyongyang Central Zoo, and the Central Ideals Zoo.
Does North Korea Have Tigers?
Although it cannot be confirmed, scientists believe that endangered Siberian tigers may still live in North Korea.
Are there scorpions in North Korea?
Yes, scorpions live on the Korean Peninsula, including North Korea. Moreover, they’re an important part of traditional medicines and are still used in formulas to treat colds, whooping cough, skin rashes, constipation, dysentery, nervous prostration, osteomyelitis, and tetanus.
