Key Facts
• 2022: 42 groups of Japanese macaques, estimated 2,600 individuals.
• 2024: 60 groups, estimated 2,700–3,000 individuals.
• July 7, 2025: Wildlife damage meeting held in Namie Town.
• 2019: 95 macaques captured; 2023: 351; 2024: 276 (provisional).
• Fukushima Prefecture requests national approval for macaque capture in restricted areas.
• GPS tracking confirms macaque movement across restricted and recovery zones.
• April 2025: Asiatic black bear captured in Okuma Town, first since 2013.
• May 2025: First bear captured in Kawamata Town’s Yamakiya district.
• New wildlife strategy (2026 onward) to include macaque and bear measures.
• Strategy draft expected by January 2026.
Summary
The population of Japanese macaques in 12 municipalities affected by the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster has grown significantly, with estimates rising from 2,600 in 2022 to 2,700–3,000 in 2024. Despite this, macaques are not currently included in the list of wildlife eligible for capture in restricted areas. Fukushima Prefecture has requested their inclusion to address increasing wildlife damage. GPS tracking has revealed macaque movements between restricted and recovery zones. Additionally, Asiatic black bears, previously thought absent east of the Abukuma River, were captured in Okuma and Kawamata Towns in 2025. A new wildlife strategy, focusing on macaques and bears alongside existing boar measures, is being developed for implementation from 2026, with a draft expected by January 2026.
