Current Situation and Problems of Agricultural Damage Management and Population Management of Japanese Macaques (Macaca fuscata) in Mie Prefecture, Central Japan

Agricultural crop damage caused by Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata) is a serious problem in Iga City, Mie Prefecture, central Japan. We conducted a long-term study of agricultural damage management and population management of the macaques over 10 years (2008-2018). During the study period, we decreased the number of macaque troops from 10 to 4, and the average number of individuals in each troop from as many as 171 to ca. 30 individuals. In parallel, we promoted community-based agricultural damage management over the study period. As a result, agricultural damage caused by macaques in Iga City were significantly reduced. In addition, the level of harm caused by the macaques decreased and the local community became more likely to take positive action. Our study demonstrated the possibility of a community-based management model. Considering future perspectives, our results can aid other areas in which serious agricultural damage is caused by the macaques.