2021 Volume 26 Issue 4 Pages 113-126
We have analyzed treatment records for oriental storks (Ciconia boyciana) reintroduced to Japan that were injured by leg-hold traps. We have also quantitated sales of leg-hold traps in the northern region of Hyogo prefecture, where most breeding pairs of the storks are distributed, and the occurrence of animal injuries and deaths caused by leg-hold traps in Japan since April 2007. From 2005, when reintroduction began, until December 2020, two stork injuries due to leg-hold traps have been recorded. Leg-hold traps have been sold at 7 stores in northern Hyogo. Some errors in product notices regarding correct legal usage have been discovered. To prevent injuries among the storks, we obtained cooperation from all 4 stores in Toyooka (out of 7 stores total), eliciting changes in product notices and sales methods. In addition to the two storks described in this report, 35 animals (including 10 individuals belonging to Red List species) have been injured or killed by leg-hold traps since April 2007, when their use as hunting gear became prohibited by law, according to our survey using newspaper article databases. Further investigation is necessary to accurately assess frequency and impact of legal use of leg-hold traps in Japan and to accumulate research on appropriate usage methods using data from previous studies conducted abroad. The above investigations will inform discussions of more appropriate legal regulations and more effective measures to eradicate illegal capture using leg-hold traps.
