Abstract

In Shiga Prefecture the emergency rescue of injured wildlife began in 1979. In this system, veterinarians in private practice who are interested in wildlife volunteer as doctors for the rescue of wildlife. The cost of treatment is paid by the Shiga Prefectural Government. Upon recovery, wildlife is released into the wild, but at present there are no facilities for animals which have suffered permanent injuries. Every year, 100-200 injured wildlife are delivered to doctors;however, no intensive diagnosis or examination of the wildlife is performed. Therefore, potentially useful information from the injured wildlife for management and nature conservation is lost. Although the budget covers only the treatment of injured wildlife, Shiga Prefectural Government pays 25 times that money to kill or prevent wildlife from damaging agriculture or fisheries. This rescue system as it exists presently is incomplete for the management of wildlife. I insist that a comprehensive Wildlife Center is necessary to conserve and manage wildlife. Three functions must be satisfied:(1)Investigation and Research Census & Monitoring of Wildlife, Assessment of the Habitat, Collection and Analysis of Information (2)Management Conservation of Endangered Species, Rescue of Injured Wildlife, Control of the Number of Wildlife Damaging Agriculture or Fisheries (3)Enlightenment and Education Public Information, Exhibition of Wildlife, Cooperation with NGOs