Monkeys Track Nuclear Fallout at Japan's Fukushima
Channel: NO-RAD-ZONE Channel
Date: 12/01/2012

Monkeys Track Nuclear Fallout at Fukushima Wild Japanese macaque monkeys and wild boars are set to gather information from Japan's Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant. We explain what devices are used to gather data, how it works and what kind of information scientists will be trying to get? Take a look at what is to be expected. This kind of science holds a soft spot in most peoples hearts, never the less, the next Pandora's Box has been opened. This brow raising science may be another historical environmental catastrophe. Radiated mutated monkey viruses can spread and are linked to SIV (ancestor of AIDS) and more.

Though no monkeys are in this video Dick Green from IFAW explains concerns about wildlife, prior to collecting data and establishing protocol with Toshio Mizoguchi. The Monkey tracking Fukushima Radiation project is being launched in partnership with, and is the creation of Toshio Mizoguchi. Details about this experimental radiological data collection with monkeys is limited. This is for those who want to dig deeper into the players and the concepts behind what is happening.

Wild monkeys and possibly wild boars enlisted to help measure Fukushima radiation in Japan! Until now, radiation monitoring has been conducted primarily by air, using helicopters equipped with testing devices. Takahashi stated aerial monitoring can track radiation across a wide area, but it only gives a general idea of radiation levels on the ground, not specifics on its movement. Takahashi said "The monkeys can help us get more accurate readings in areas that aren't so accessible, We'll get a better idea of how radiation is spread by rain; by plants; by rivers in the forest see how it affects humans and animals in the long run."

The project is being launched in partnership with, and is the creation of Toshio Mizoguchi a veterinarian and Executive Director for the Fukishima Prefectural Wildlife Rehabilitation Center. Dr. Mizoguchi is also chair of the Fukishima Prefecture Veterinary Medical Association (FPVMA) so he has his hands full dealing with wildlife and companion animals following the disaster. Minamisōma is one of the cities hardest hit by the nuclear disaster. Radiation fears prompted more than half of its 67,000 residents to evacuate, in the Fukushima's aftermath. A third of the city sits inside the 12 mile government mandated exclusion zone, deemed too dangerous for people to live in. In the larger Fukushima area, more than 80,000 residents have been displaced by the nuclear disaster.

In terms of radiation exposure, the number one concern is the monitoring of the radiation levels and determining the impact the radiation is having on the animals currently living in the evacuation zone. In addition, it is assumed that animals (especially wildlife) are traversing freely in and out of the danger zone. There is no established protocol for decontamination and/or treatment of animals affected by radiation, nor are there any standards established for determining when an animal has been exposed to an unsafe level of radiation. In essence, little is known about the survivability of wildlife and pets - or the viability of feed animals - exposed to radiation.

In March, 2011 IFAW discussed supporting and organizing a convening of global Subject Matter Experts in Japan to develop protocol for monitoring and treatment of animals exposed to radiation with Toshio Mizoguchi.

They discussed the scientific and humane value of identifying best practices and establishing protocols for decontaminating animals exposed to radiation.

Note: Appologies that there are no pictures of monkeys with data collecting collars. There is no such footage available. If you would like to see high resolution images of what macaque monkeys look like and learn more, go to: http://www.no-rad-zone.com/monkeys-track-japan-fallout.php

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