The solution to Japan's snake problem: An unexpected story

It was said that there were such abundant snakes on an island in Japan that life had become difficult. These snakes were dangerous and poisonous, and the entire population on that island lived in fear of their deadly bites. Yearly, numerous deaths occurred due to their bites, and the government could do nothing effectively. But then the Japanese government took a decision that shook not only the island but the entire country.

Danger of Snakes

In the 1970s, the people of Emami and Shima islands, Japan, had to contend with a nasty enemy that came in the form of the Habo Pit Viper. It was poisonous, but in addition to that, it brought about death not just to humans but also animals. The Habo Pit Viper was larger and more deadly compared to other snakes. Its venom had the potency to destroy the blood cells within the human body, leading to very intense pains, swelling, nausea, and often death.

They had now become a real curse in places where medical care was not easily available. By the year 1980, some 400 people had been bitten by these snakes, and many of them had died. This was becoming a serious issue for the government.

Finding a viable solution

These snakes not only needed to be kept at bay from the people but also an overall solution to help them improve their lifestyles. Initially, they made antivenom to treat snake venom, but the problem was that antivenom had to be preserved in electricity and refrigeration, which were unheard of in these remote villages.

When the snake problem escalated to a greater level, the Japanese government decided to take a bold measure. The government made up a plan in 1999 to use nature against nature. They released weasels as small but powerful predators on the island to hunt down these venomous snakes that threatened this area of ​​their territory.

The Arrival of the Weasels

The plan seemed like a sound strategy in the beginning, but soon it threw up many unexpected and undesirable results. Weasels began targeting the native island species rather than snakes. Emami rabbit, which was already endangered to the brink of extinction, was easy prey for weasels. The rabbits were found exclusively on the island, and their population began crashing rapidly under the invasion of the weasels.

Another problem with the weasels was that they reproduced very quickly. Within a few years, their population reaches millions and spread all over the island. Thus, the local ecosystem already fragile was on the verge of collapse.

Government Action

Upon realizing that the decision to release the weasels on the island had become a new crisis for them, the Japanese government took immediate steps to solve the problem. There were two important challenges to be met: to restore the local ecosystem and control the growing population of weasels.

In 2000, the government finally came up with an omnibus plan to eliminate the weasels. They established a team of specially trained dogs and expert hunters who were tasked with finding and capturing the weasels in every area of ​​the island.

Monitoring and Eradication of Weasels

Further, almost 200,000 special traps were placed all over the island to discourage the multiplying weasels. The campaign was fairly successful, and within the past 25 years, more than 32,000 weasels have been caught and exterminated by the Japanese government. The existence of weasels was tracked with the aid of modern technology like motion-sensing cameras and from habitats.

In 2022, a broad report was ready based on a work of cameras used in 472 different locales and trained dogs whereby the case of a weasel present on the island had almost disappeared. This was undoubtedly the accomplishment of big, but the main problem of the habo pet viper remained there.

Searching for a new treatment

Friends, it is here where the struggle of Japanese scientists started. They began research to develop a modern and accessible antivenom against the venom of the Habo pet viper. For understanding the genetic map of the venom, various research institutes and universities in Japan were traced, which were involved in this preparation.

With this knowledge, scientists prepared and synthesized the ground for developing new better antivenoms. This research was not only about the remedy of snake venom but also opened hopes to develop an antitoxin for other diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular diseases.

Consequences of Meddling with Nature

The introduction of weasels to Japan by its authorities to eliminate venomous snakes was perhaps a unique experiment in itself, but it was definitely not the first ever attempt at meddling with nature. Many countries around the world, in an attempt to control their natural ecosystems, made similar attempts to tackle this: results have been surprising as well as disastrous.

In 1935, Australia introduced cane beetles to combat the problem of cane toads in sugarcane fields. It did not take long, however, for it to be proven that the beetles spent most of their time in the tops of the cane, where the cane toads could not reach. Instead, they began to attack native Australian animals and destroy whole ecosystems. In short, cane toads represent a grim example on Australian ground of how disastrous the consequences of meddling with nature can be.

Conclusion

The consequences of tampering with nature always are interesting stories to hear. These experiences teach us that we should try to maintain the balance of the natural system. Insha Allah, we will meet you in the next video, until then take good care of yourself. May Allah protect us.

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