A Study on the Change in Nature Conservation Measures for the Ohdaigahara Subalpine Plateau in Japan

: with a focus on the Anti-deer Measures

Abstract

Deer damage to the forest vegetation on the Ohdaigahara subalpine plateau was first found in the beginning of 1980, and Ministry of the Environment (MOE) has taken anti-deer measures for about 30 years since then. This study clarifies two points: (1) the nature conservation measures implemented for the plateau by MOE were divided into four phases from the aspects of deer population management and the participation of various actors in the region, and (2) deer population management and the participation of various actors were both started after the establishment of a national legal system. As a result, the study reaffirmed the importance of establishing a national legal system for improving nature conservation measures in the field.