Transformation of Irrigated Agricultural Landscapes along with Urbanization and its Impact to Distribution of Frog Species in Sakai City, Central Japan

Abstract

In this study, we investigated urbanization process and sequential transformation of farmland and irrigation channel management in Sakai City, central Japan, by constructing digital historic canal and farmland maps. Local historic archives and literatures were also used to support this analysis. In addition, we investigated anurans distribution in this area to reinforce our understanding of the urbanization effects into local ecosystem. As the results, we found that, although urbanization had brought canal network and farmland fragmentations, canal management organizations were able to get some merits including stable irrigation water use and considerable donations from urban side. Our anurans investigation showed that adaptation of anurans into urbanization with the expansion of dry rice fields and canal pavements highly depended on species.