Fundamental Study on the Planning of Nature Conservation for Inhabitant Small Animals and Insects in Tokyo Ward

Abstract

It is essential to give full consideration to the preservation of the existing natural environment in city planning. It is particularly important to protect the natural habitats of insects and small animals such as small mammals, birds and reptiles. This study was undertaken in Suginami Ward in Tokyo to determine the relation between the amount of greenery and the number of small animals and insects sighted by the residents in the study area. 20 species of small animals and insects were selected for this study and the residents in each of the 36 districts of Suginami Ward were questions on the frequency with which each of the species was sighted in their neighborhood. The results were as follows;
1. The study revealed 4 distribution patterns of small animals and insects.
Type A: 8 of the species were sighted in small numbers throughout the study area.
Type B: A large number of 8 species were sighted in a few isolated districts in the studyarea.
Type C: 2 of the species were sighted in large number in certain sections of the Ward.
Type D: Except for a few isolated districts, 2 of the species were sighted in large numbers throughout the study area.
2. A variety of small animals and insects were found to inhabit areas close to parks and open spaces and in residential district with a large percentage of greenery.
3. It is necessary to establish a parks and open space system to serve as habitats for small animals and insects in built-up areas to attract and nurture such animals in order to maintain the balance of the natural ecosystem.