Fukushima radiation project to involve monkeys: report

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A new project to assess radiation levels around Japan's stricken Fukushima will involve monkeys, Britain's The Telegraph has reported.

Scientists believe ground covered by the animals, fitted with sensors, will help in monitoring radiation levels in the area.

Fukushima is home to the damaged Dai-ichi nuclear plant which was severely damaged in the March 11 earthquake/tsunami.

The 'experiment' is set to last for two months, the newspaper added.

"We decided to use monkeys for this project because the territory they cover is very well known to us. It's the first time such an experiment has been carried out with monkeys," project leader Professor Takahashi was quoted as saying by The Telegraph.

Radiation testing in the area is currently being carried out by helicopters.