Nature Amami-Oshima officially eradicated its invasive mongooses

[thomas]

The Japanese government is preparing to declare the eradication of an invasive mongoose species on Amami-Oshima Island in the country's southwestern Kyushu region. The Ministry of the Environment plans to conduct a scientific assessment to confirm the eradication sometime after September this year. Mongooses were introduced to the island in 1979 to control the population of venomous habu snakes. However, the mongoose population grew rapidly, reaching an estimated 10,000 at its peak. Due to their predation on rare species like Amami rabbits, serious eradication efforts began in 2000. Over 32,000 mongooses have been captured to date.

According to the environment ministry, approximately 20,000 traps were set up on the island in fiscal 2022. Not a single sign of a mongoose has been detected by motion-sensing cameras in 472 locations or by search dogs. Sightings were reported by residents in six cases, but in each case, the animals' presence could not be confirmed. The last time a mongoose was captured on the island was in April 2018. Experts and others will form a scientific judgement this fall, after calculating the odds the species has been eradicated based on data such as the number captured up to the end of fiscal 2022. In fiscal 2023, hunting efforts will continue with a reduced number of traps in anticipation of eradication.

Japan island's invasive mongooses may be declared eradicated as early as end of March 2024 - The Mainichi

AMAMI, Kagoshima -- The Japanese government is preparing to declare that an invasive mongoose species on Amami-Oshima Island in the country's southwes

mainichi.jp