But there were issues with the plan.
For one, mongooses are diurnal and the habu are nocturnal, meaning the two animals rarely crossed paths.
The mongooses also had a significant impact on Ryukyu long-furred rat populations, according to a Japanese environment ministryrelease.
A mongoose pokes it head up from the grass.Photo: Minakksi/Wikimedia
The program was a success, and by 2007 the mongoose population numbered around 1,000 individuals.
Thespecies can wipe out native ones, damage human agriculture, and generally wreak havoc on environments.
Once the animals set up shop, theyre not as easy to kick out.
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