Abstract
In order to promote the conservation and restoration of biodiversity, it is necessary to: quantitatively assess the current status of biodiversity, identify the factors causing its degradation and decline, and consider and implement necessary measures, for each of which long-term monitoring is essential. In Japan, monitoring of wildlife (including birds), and of ecosystems, has been conducted for many years. Avian monitoring has a long history in Japan compared with other countries in Asia. However, the analysis of such monitoring data has not progressed well, and neither monitoring data nor the results of its analysis have been fully utilized in bird conservation management and policy. In this paper, we summarise the current status of avian monitoring in Japan following a questionnaire survey of wetlands designated as an East Asian-Australasian Flyway Partnership Flyway Network Site, and from information collected via the Internet. National-scale monitoring, such as the Monitoring Site 1000 scheme, the Bird Banding Scheme, and regional-scale monitoring such as the survey of the distribution of geese have been carried out. In addition, site-specific bird monitoring has also been conducted at many wetlands, and some monitoring had been conducted for more than 30 years. The existing studies analyzing monitoring data have revealed: 1) population trends, 2) changes in phenology, 3) changes in distribution, and 4) changes in avian communities. Research cases relevant to each topic are summarised mainly focusing on domestic studies. Necessary future research is discussed in relation to three groups of migratory waterbird species (waterfowl, cranes, and shorebirds).
