鳥獣保護区の指定区分および指定実績の変遷

抄録

 Transitions of designation categories of the Wildlife Protection Areas and the extent of these designated areas were analyzed using government guidelines and wildlife statistics. A remarkable decrease was observed in the designated area for the “forest habitat type”, which occupies the largest proportion. For all other categories except the “habitat corridor type”, there was an increase in the designated area. As the number of hunters decreases and the damage caused by wildlife becomes serious, the significance of hunting-prohibited areas is declining. Therefore, “forest habitat type”, “large-scale habitat type” and “habitat corridor type” should be designated with a clear intention to secure the original habitat for wildlife, which is supported by science-based management. The categories such as “endangered species habitat type” and “large migration areas type”, whose designation as Special Protection Areas is imperative, are expected to function as true nature conservation areas by effective planning and design of the Special Protection Areas and surrounding buffer zones.