2021 Volume 51 Issue 2 Pages 283-302
There are concerns about the natural environment of Japan. Relationships with nature are given status as Basic Environmental Plans. Relationships with nature and biodiversity in urban areas are proposed. It is important to not only survey ecological conditions, but also impressions of people about contact with nature in urban areas.
The purpose of this study was to consider coexistence. We used the Japanese house lizard （Gekko japonicus）as an index for a natural element. Japanese house lizard （Gekko japonicus）is an animal that inhabits the residential environment and is encountered by humans outdoors. A survey was conducted by questionnaires in the Nishijin Area of Kyoto City. This study clarified the appearance of Japanese house lizards and attributes of residents able to find them. In addition, it attempted to determine the impressions about Japanese house lizards, and clarify the relationships between positive feelings and impressions. Resident’s positive and negative consciousness for familiar natural life forms was surveyed and statistically analyzed using questionnaires.
We found that Japanese house lizards exist in wooden architecture on unfrequented streets. People who have knowledge and interest in nature noticed the house lizards. The results show that Japanese house lizard impressions can be organized as 3 types. The first is a family impression as a companion animal. The second is as an economic animal like a domestic animal. The third is a wild and hardy animal surviving in the natural world. This study showed that interest, knowledge and attitudes toward animals are affected by positive feelings for the Japanese house lizard.
Considering the Japanese house lizard as an urban nature element, we conclude that conservation of partially domesticated nature is desirable for the urban environment. Moreover, knowledge, dissemination of apprehension and education of coexistence with nature are connected to positive feelings for nature.
JEL Classifications:Q26, Q34, R52, R58
