NEWS
Research on the Amami rabbit and agriculture on Amami Oshima Island
From April 12th to 16th, the World Natural Heritage siteAmami Oshima (Kagoshima Prefecture)We visited Amami and investigated crop damage caused by the Amami rabbit and countermeasures. This time, we mainly conducted interviews with farmers, government officials, and specialized organizations. This investigation is part of a research project on the theme of "coexistence between humans and nature" that we are working on with graduate students in our laboratory.
On Amami Oshima, while the population of the Amami rabbit has recovered amidst efforts to control the invasive mongoose, damage to the bark and seedlings of tangerines (a type of citrus fruit), one of the island's main industries, has been spreading in recent years. Because the Amami rabbit is a national natural monument and a protected species, population control through capture is not easy, and "habitat separation" using fences to prevent intrusion is considered the main countermeasure. This time,Yamato Village・Uken Village・AmamiEach town hall and Kagoshima PrefectureOffice, Ministry of the EnvironmentAmami Wildlife Conservation CenterWe also visited producers and spoke with them extensively about the extent of the damage, countermeasures such as fences, and the operation of support systems.
How can we reconcile the deep affection local residents have for the Amami rabbit with the pressing challenges they face in continuing their agriculture? This was a valuable opportunity to explore the difficult question of "coexistence between people and nature," unique to an island that is a World Natural Heritage site, by hearing directly from those on the ground. We express our sincere gratitude to everyone who cooperated.
