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ScienceQuiet 3d · day 3

Japan requests $43M to combat invasive longhorn beetles destroying cherry trees

Environment Ministry seeks 11-fold budget increase to eradicate red-necked longhorn beetles threatening national forests and spring tourism.

newest coverage 2d agosummary written 1d ago3 pieces MastodonNewswires

What to know

  • Japan's Environment Ministry requested 6.7 billion yen ($43 million) for next fiscal year—an 11-fold increase—to eradicate invasive red-necked longhorn beetles destroying cherry trees nationwide.
  • The beetle, native to China and East Asia, was first detected in Japan in 2012 and designated an invasive species in 2018; larvae feed inside trees for 2-3 years, weakening structural integrity.
  • Unchecked beetle population growth threatens spring cherry blossom tourism, agricultural output, and forest ecosystems; some local governments are offering bounties to incentivize public participation in eradication.

“The ministry has said that further growth in the beetle population could cause agricultural damage, make it difficult to enjoy cherry blossom viewing in the spring, increase the risk of falling trees and affect ecosystems.”

Japan's Environment Ministry, Government agency · Anadolu Agency ↗ · Sep 20

Japan's Environment Ministry Government agency requesting fundingJapan's Farm Ministry Co-lead on eradication task forceTown of Kawajima, Saitama Prefecture Local government implementing bounty programCity of Oyama, Tochigi Prefecture Local government implementing bounty program

Japan requests $43M to combat invasive longhorn beetles destroying cherry trees
Anadolu Agency

How it unfolded 1 development · click the chart to see its coverage articlesposts

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Sep 21Sep 22yesterdaynow · 12:58 AM ET
  1. 1

    Japan requests 6.7 billion yen to eradicate beetles

    Japan's Environment Ministry requested 6.7 billion yen ($43 million) in the initial budget for the next fiscal year to eradicate the red-necked longhorn beetle and protect cherry, plum, and peach trees. The amount is 11 times the current 600 million yen budget.

    “Further growth in the 'invasive' beetle population could make it difficult to enjoy cherry blossom viewing in the spring…”
    — Japan's Environment Ministry
    1. 2 outlets Japan asks for US$43 million to weed out cherry tree-devouring longhorn beetle

      first by SCMP, 3d ago · also Anadolu Agency

      1 more headline
  2. background

    Ministries adopt national strategy against longhorn beetles — The environment and farm ministries adopted a strategy pledging to provide local governments with technical and financial support to combat the spreading beetle infestation.

  3. background

    Environment and farm ministries establish task force — In response to nationwide damage from the beetle population, Japan's environment and farm ministries set up a task force to coordinate eradication efforts and provide support to local governments.

  4. background

    Longhorn beetle designated invasive alien species — Japan officially classified the red-necked longhorn beetle as an invasive alien species, banning breeding, keeping, importing, selling, or releasing it into the wild.

  5. background

    Red-necked longhorn beetle first confirmed in Japan — The invasive species, native to China, Korea, Taiwan, and Vietnam, was first detected in Japan. The beetle measures 2.5 to 4 centimeters long and was previously unknown in the country.