A new invasion of Xenopus laevis in Chiba City
Before my visit to Japan I was looking for information about current invasions in the country when I came across a citizen conservation group in Chiba City, who had recorded Xenopus laevis in a river flowing through a conservation area in their city. I made arrangements to visit the site with Dr. Takaki Kurita from the Chiba Prefecture Natural History Museum, and was greeted by a band of entthusiastic conservationists who were all happy to jump into the river with us to capture some Xenopus.
It wasn't long before the first shout went up, and then another and another. In the 34 C heat, we were pulling lots of animals out of the river, including an array of native and invasive fish and American crayfish.
It was great to work with such enthusiastic conservationists in Chiba Prefecture.
