beneficial animal; useful animal
Refers to animals that are directly or indirectly helpful to humans, such as pollinators, pest-eaters, or animals providing resources. Often contrasted with 害獣 (harmful animal).
Antonyms: 害獣
ミツバチは代表的な益獣です。
Honeybees are a typical beneficial animal.
害獣だけでなく益獣も保護する必要がある。
We need to protect not only harmful animals but also beneficial ones.
harmful animal; pest; vermin
Compound of 益 (benefit) and 獣 (beast, animal). The term is a modern coinage used in ecological and agricultural contexts.