Ecology and conservation of the raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides) in Japan

摘要:  Raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides viverrinus Temminck) were used as a model species to study wildlife management and conservation issues in the countryside of Japan. Radio-tracking data analyse habitat use, movements, home range configuration stability, social aspects, factors influencing raccoon dog behaviour. Comparisons drawn with European badgers (Meles meles Linnaeus) UK order highlight aspects movements use omnivorous Carnivores. Two key concerning Japan investigated: road-kills agricultural damage. The Highway Public Corporation provided road-kill on National Expressways, questionnaire survey was conducted damage local governments, authorities administration. Socio-cultural critically reviewed discussed. types users appeared exist area. One type ('mountain type') inhabited more semi-natural environment, including secondary forest herbaceous areas, whereas second ('village managed environments, such rice fields cropland. results suggested that selection occurred at home-range location scales differed between two dogs. mean size 111 ± 16.9 ha (95% kernel estimate) 160±34.5ha maximum convex polygon (MCP)). There no significant difference age classes or sexes. Seasonal ranges larger yearlings than adults, largest autumn; there Season affected nightly i.e. inter-fix speed, 100% MCP, span over night; however, sex did not. All variables movement smallest winter. fractal dimension degree 'tortuousity' self similarity, 1.226 significantly from 1.0 (a straight line) 2.0 Brownian random movement). mountain had village type, possibly reflecting complexity and/or heterogeneity. Badgers generally preferred pasture avoided arable habitat, but showed some variability by year selection. A Badger Removal Operation may have influenced badgers. 56.1 7.7 estimates) 56.2 7.3 MCP). badgers' 1.198 different 2.0. similarities range, night, movements. Sexual differences spatial existed not Road-kills be highest, percentage terms, all this figure linearly related traffic. Some road-features, whether road cutting its proximity water, positively associated road-kills, while presence coniferous plantations roadside dissociated road-kills. Nationwide estimates dogs, based available for Expressways only, made assumptions. Conservative put number 110,000 - 370,000 per year. potential numbers used, after controlling traffic data, an index population trends, is In sent 46 prefectures, respondents (96%) reported wildlife, 80% macaque boar damage, nearly 70 % deer Sixty-nine products been damaged 41 these Maize fruits major crops Although about half employed culling, effectiveness unclear. seems far behind other developing countries approach issues, situation could substantially improved through increased scientific understanding education. Radical changes also required legal status schemes.