Ethical Issues in Endangered Species　- The Example in Birds -

Abstract

　Many endangered birds of prey are brought by various reasons to the Institute for Raptor Biomedicine Japan. In many cases, they are difficult to be returned to the wild. As they are settled as the endangered species by the Japanese law, there is no practical option for euthanasia unless there is a special reason, such as having a serious infectious disease. Although they have been asked to be used as exhibition animals, only few zoos have interested them, as they have apparently sequelae. From the point of view of animal welfare, we strive to keep animals that will be reared for life in good conditions. Unfortunately, no dedicated budget has been provided by the Ministry of the Environment for the management of these animals. In April 2017, the Institute for Raptor Biomedicine Japan decided to procure all costs required for rearing them, in exchange for permission to use those animals, from the business of the Ministry of the Environment. At present, these individuals are used for the development and improvement of accident prevention devices and to be donors for blood transfusion. In 2018, euthanasia of injured endangered animals was positioned as an exemption from law enforcement regulations. Although lethal research and euthanasia were stipulated in the Conservation of Species Act, guidelines to ensure that appropriate evidence-based decisions are made at the operational stage are required, in order to deter the easy killing of endangered species.