Japan declares 'predator' mongoose eradicated on UNESCO heritage site

ISTANBUL

Japan has declared the eradication of “predator” mongoose brought to the UNESCO Natural World Heritage site of Amami-Oshima Island in 1970s.

The eradication process of the non-native mammal had begun in 2005, Japanese public broadcaster NHK reported.

On Tuesday, experts met to assess the progress, with authorities reporting that no mongooses have been trapped in over six years, and none have been detected by motion sensor cameras at 579 locations on the island.

The mammal was introduced to the Amami-Oshima Island in 1979 to control the population of highly venomous local snake species, but it began preying on rare native species, including the Amami rabbit.

The experts concluded that it is highly likely mongooses have been eliminated from the island.