In an initiative aimed at fostering harmony between residents and the region's burgeoning raccoon dog population, the Yushanghai community in Shanghai's Songjiang district has unveiled the first-ever community science museum dedicated to these nationally protected creatures.

Nestled within the Yushanghai community's Party service station, this facility is a testament to the Yushanghai community's proactive stance in transforming its landscape into a low-carbon haven conducive to the thriving of raccoon dogs. With the area witnessing a notable increase in raccoon dog presence due to its favorable ecological conditions, residents have welcomed these curious creatures into their midst. However, concerns arose as the raccoon dogs began venturing closer to locals in search of food, prompting the community to take action.

Recognizing the need for a balanced approach, the local Party branch, under the leadership of Secretary Xu Hui, spearheaded a comprehensive raccoon dog management action plan in 2022. A primary focus of this endeavor was addressing the unintended consequences of cat feeding, which inadvertently contributed to the rise in raccoon populations. In response, the Party branch collaborated with local businesses to install automated feeding stations strategically designed to be inaccessible to raccoon dogs, catering to over 200 stray cats in the vicinity.

Managing raccoon dog populations posed multifaceted challenges, necessitating a harmonious coexistence strategy that prioritized sustainability and community well-being. To achieve this delicate balance, the Party branch engaged in extensive community outreach efforts, leveraging both in-person interactions and online platforms to solicit valuable input from residents.

Drawing upon the expertise of scholars from Fudan University and environmental agencies within the city, the community organized a series of informative forums – totaling over 10 sessions – to address critical topics such as wildlife feeding regulations and community responsibilities. These collaborative discussions laid the groundwork for a multi-sector partnership involving various organizations dedicated to implementing a comprehensive raccoon dog-coexistence project.

Central to this initiative was the establishment of a volunteer team comprising animal protection advocates and community leaders, tasked with monitoring raccoon dog populations using infrared cameras and coordinating resources effectively. The culmination of these collective efforts is the newly inaugurated raccoon dog science museum, featuring interactive exhibits designed to educate residents about raccoon dog behavior and promote awareness of wildlife management best practices.

Since the implementation of these integrated measures, the density of raccoon dogs in the Yushanghai community has exhibited a significant decline, plummeting from 4.5 raccoon dogs per hectare in 2022 to 1.7 per hectare in 2023. This achievement not only assuages resident concerns but also underscores the community's commitment to fostering a sustainable urban ecology that prioritizes coexistence between humans and wildlife.

Source: Shanghai Observer