Fukushima nuclear disaster evacuation zone now teems with wildlife

[Beringia]

https://www.cnet.com/news/fukushima-nuclear-disaster-evacuation-zone-now-teems-with-wildlife/

The Fukushima nuclear disaster unfolded in Japan in 2011 when reactors at the Daiichi Power Planet melted down. Over 160,000 people evacuated, leaving behind a region intensely contaminated with radiation. Now a study led by researchers at the University of Georgia shows wild animals have taken over in zones where humans no longer live. Wild boar are especially abundant in areas where humans no longer live.

The team analyzed thousands of wildlife photos captured at 106 camera sites located in three zones, two of which humans are excluded or restricted from due to high and intermediate levels of contamination. Humans are allowed in the third zone, which has low levels of background radiation. The cameras revealed a wide variety of wildlife, from foxes to macaques to wild boar and raccoon dogs.

"Our results represent the first evidence that numerous species of wildlife are now abundant throughout the Fukushima Evacuation Zone, despite the presence of radiological contamination," said UGA wildlife biologist James Beasley.