Japan is set to remove goshawks from its scarce species list after a government subcommittee approved the move Wednesday amid an increase in their population.

The number of goshawks, crow-size raptors that prey on small mammals and birds, had declined sharply due to urban development and other reasons, but the population was estimated at 9,000 in a survey conducted by the Environment Ministry at the turn of the century.

(Goshawk Protection Fund)

According to the Wild Bird Society of Japan, the number of goshawks stood at around 300 or 400 in 1984. But following the scarce species listing in 1993, the population started to recover amid conservation efforts such as preserving suitable forest habitats.

Even after goshawks are removed from the list, capturing, distributing, importing or exporting the birds will continue to be restricted to academic research purposes and keeping them as pets will remain banned.

Goshawks will be formally removed from the list, probably next month, after the Central Environment Council conveys the subcommittee's decision to the environment minister on Thursday.

The ministry plans to monitor the habitat of the birds and will relist them if necessary.

Goshawks have been a symbol of the conservation movement in Japan.

Seiji Hayama of the bird society, said, "The habitat of goshawks varies by prefecture. Even if the state removes them from the scarce species list, prefectural governments should adopt ordinances to protect them."

The removal of the goshawks from the scarce species list would be the second instance based on population growth, following the removal of the purple jay in 2008, according to the ministry.