Home / Environment / Tiny Deer Invade Japan: Eradication Efforts Underway
Tiny Deer Invade Japan: Eradication Efforts Underway
15 Nov
Summary
- Invasive deer, known as kyon, have spread across Chiba and Ibaraki prefectures.
- The population has surged, causing significant damage to crops and vegetation.
- Research and control plans are underway to manage and eradicate the invasive species.
Invasive Reeves's muntjac, or kyon, first appeared in southeastern Chiba Prefecture between the 1960s and 1980s and have since proliferated, now reaching Ibaraki Prefecture. Their population has grown dramatically, from over 13,000 in fiscal 2006 to nearly 95,000 in fiscal 2024, causing annual crop damage estimated between ¥4 million and ¥9 million.
Researchers are employing trail cameras and audio recorders to study kyon behavior and movements, aiding in the development of countermeasures. Chiba Prefecture's control plan prioritizes preventing further northward spread, focusing on trapping in established areas while the prefecture targets the fringes of their range.
On Izu Oshima island, a separate kyon population, which escaped a zoo in 1970, is also being managed. Tokyo aims to reduce its estimated population of 12,707 through an intensive capture campaign, including the use of firearms in less populated areas, with a long-term goal of eradication.
Despite eradication efforts, the spread of kyon remains challenging due to their reproductive rate and adaptability. Authorities are concerned about potential commercialization of kyon meat, fearing it could incentivize breeding or release, further complicating containment.
