No wild animal species are currently known to be found only in North Korea.
Note the phrase “only found in North Korea” means strict endemics — species whose global range lies entirely inside the country’s political borders. Apply that definition and current records (IUCN, GBIF and published surveys) show no confirmed animal species with ranges limited solely to the DPRK. Expect a clear result: strong likelihood of zero strict animal endemics tied to North Korea alone.
Understand why that happens. Country borders are human lines, not ecological barriers; habitats in North Korea continue across the borders into China, Russia and South Korea. North Korea has few truly isolated islands or mountain systems that would drive strict endemism. Access for scientists has been limited for decades, so taxonomic work is sparse and discoveries of narrowly endemic animals are unlikely. At the same time, several species of conservation interest do occur in North Korea but also live outside it — for example, the red-crowned crane and the scaly-sided merganser (both IUCN-listed as threatened), the Korean goral and the Siberian musk deer (IUCN-listed as vulnerable). These are important North Korean populations or wintering sites, but not species confined to the DPRK.
Focus instead on useful alternatives. Look for species with important or unique North Korean populations, animals first described from specimens collected in the region, and rare or endangered fauna that use DPRK habitats. Consult IUCN range maps, GBIF occurrence records, and regional studies to see range notes and conservation status. Explore lists of notable birds, mammals and freshwater species in North Korea rather than expecting strict country-only endemics.
