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.