Monitoring System for Wild Birds in Japan (Part 2: Introduction of Local Monitoring)

Abstract

To understand how the distribution and abundance of wild birds are monitored in Japan, we conducted interviews with local facilities engaged in bird monitoring. Based on the interviews with 11 facilities, we found that bird monitoring programs have been conducted by staff with high bird identification skills and at high frequency in many facilities. While the data from these monitoring programs could contribute to understanding wild bird habitats, the monitoring methods, frequency, and disclosure methods vary across facilities, which makes it challenging to share the monitoring data systematically. Furthermore, publishing the monitoring data entails constraints such as data entry efforts and information management issues. In the future, if a system is established to address these issues and facilitate the sharing of monitoring data, it could be utilized not only for bird conservation but also across multiple fields such as disease control in poultry and public health.