Animals to be used for earthquake prediction in Japan

Seismologists paying attention to nervous dogs are no longer barking up the wrong tree, as Japanese researchers turn to animals in a ground-breaking development in the imprecise art of earthquake prediction.

Researchers at Azabu University in Kanagawa Prefecture, near Tokyo, plan to set up a network of 'Quake Farms' to predict when and where a quake will hit next. The farms will breed animals believed to have powers of quake prediction.

As soon as animals at more than two centres display simultaneous erratic behaviour, an earthquake alert will be issued.

Earthquakes, and the fear of quakes, exert a strong influence over the national psyche. Most homes have a quake survival kit comprising bandages, water and water purification tablets. Schools and businesses conduct evacuation drills with all the appearance and precision of a military drill.

The task of quake prediction is an endeavour of almost Holy Grail status in Japan, a country that straddles two fault lines. In 1995 a quake devastated the city of Kobe, killing 5,000 people. It was this event that led directly to the development of the animal farms.

Days before the quake on January 16, Kobe residents reportedly noted that dogs began to bark incessantly. Cats were also reported to be acting in a strange fashion and peacocks could be heard crying for hours on end. The city's rubbish dumps reported fewer rats scurrying around than normal.

These reports were initially written off as old wives' tales, but have now been given the weight of prophecies.