Boars and monkeys in no-entry zones

September 23, 2012

Japan to study wild animals in no-entry zone

http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120923_09.html

Japan's Environment Ministry has decided to study wild animals in no-entry areas around the damaged Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant in preparation for the return of residents in the future.

The decision follows a number of complaints about wild boars and monkeys from people who temporarily returned to their homes.

Scientists believe populations of boars and monkeys, which used to be hunted, increased and their habitats expanded after people left the areas following the nuclear accident last year.

The ministry plans to study habitat distributions of wild animals and seasonal changes in their activities from October to March, using cameras equipped with sensors.