Inside Kenting National Park in Gangkou Village, Manzhou Township, Pingtung County, local residents witnessed a man killing a sika deer with a knife on the
2026-10-25 · By James Rivera · Translated by Nathan Lin
Inside Kenting National Park in Gangkou Village, Manzhou Township, Pingtung County, local residents witnessed a man killing a sika deer with a knife on the 25th. The witnesses reported that the man picked up the carcass and removed it from the scene before subsequently reporting the incident to the park administration. Upon receiving the report, the Kenting National Park Administration dispatched personnel to the site and conducted a preliminary investigation of the man, identified as surnamed Song.
The sika deer (Cervus nippon hortulorum) is a common indigenous deer species in Taiwan and is classified as an endangered animal. It was included in the protection list under the Endangered Species Conservation Act in 1992. The natural environment within Kenting National Park provides habitat for various wildlife, and the administration enforces strict regulations against any illegal poaching. Over the past few years, the park has experienced multiple illegal hunting incidents, prompting relevant authorities to intensify patrols and law enforcement efforts.
Under the provisions of the Animal Protection Act and the National Park Act, the killing, injuring, or abandonment of wild animals within a national park without permission is subject to a maximum fine of 30,000 New Taiwan Dollars, while less severe cases may incur a fine of 3,000 New Taiwan Dollars. If the illegal activity is substantiated, the perpetrator may also face criminal prosecution. In this case, the man surnamed Song claimed that the deer carcass was already dead and that he did not kill it; however, whether his actions constitute “abandonment” or “illegal disposal” requires further verification.
Following the report, the Kenting National Park Administration imposed a fine of 3,000 New Taiwan Dollars on the man surnamed Song in accordance with the law and referred the case to the police for further investigation. Police stated that they will collect on-site evidence, interview witnesses, and examine the deer carcass to determine the cause of death and whether any illegal poaching occurred. If the investigation confirms that the animal was killed by human action, the man surnamed Song will face more severe legal consequences.
The incident has drawn attention from the local community and environmental organizations, with many calling for enhanced patrols and monitoring within the national park to prevent illegal harm to wildlife. The government has also stated that it will review current management measures and consider installing additional surveillance equipment and enhancing public education to strengthen the protection of endangered animals.
The case remains under investigation, and the relevant authorities will announce the findings and subsequent actions once the investigation is concluded. (Source: Central News Agency)
