Introduced Japanese Weasel Mustela itatsi Predate Ryukyu Scops Owl Otus elegans and Ruddy Kingfisher Halcyon coromanda in the Ryukyu Islands
Abstract
Japanese Weasel Mustela itatsi has been introduced to various regions of Japan in an attempt to control rodents, raising concerns about its negative impact on native fauna. However, there is little direct evidence of predation on birds in the Ryukyu Islands. Here, I report weasel predation on Ruddy Kingfisher Halcyon coromanda and Ryukyu Scops Owl Otus elegans on both Hateruma and Minami-Daito islands. This is the first photographic and videographer evidence of weasel predation on birds in this region, with clear species identification of prey, contributing to the advancement of weasel control on a scientific basis.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Animal Ecology and Behavior Studies
Avian ecology and behavior
Wildlife Ecology and Conservation
Publication details
- Journal / source
- ORNITHOLOGICAL SCIENCE
- Volume
- 25
- Issue
- 1
- Pages
- 97–104
- Publication date
- 13 February 2026
- Language
- EN