We conducted aerial survey in Bekanbeushi Marsh, and compared density index and habitat selection for sika deer（Cervus nippon yesoensis）between Bekanbeushi Marsh and Kushiro Marsh to evaluate the winter habitat quality and identify the marsh where countermeasures should be implemented preferentially. Density index was significantly lower in northern Bekanbeushi Marsh than in northern Kushiro Marsh. Northern Bekanbeushi Marsh had a smaller area of broad-leaved forests which deer selected during winter, deeper snow depth and a lower ratio of southern slope than those in northern Kushiro Marsh. These results suggest that the winter habitat quality for deer in Kushiro Marsh is better than that in Bekanbeushi Marsh. Thus countermeasures for deer management should be preferentially implemented in Kushiro Marsh. Since density index was locally high around valuable bog in Bekanbeushi Marsh, we should evaluate the effect of sika deer on the vegetation.

View full abstract

We evaluated grazing effects of sika deer on various vegetation types and proposed some indicator species which can easily evaluate the effects in Kushiro-Shitsugen National Park. In the survey we recorded names of grazed plant species and counted the total number of grazed individuals in four vegetation types (bogs, fens, swamp forests and broad-leaved forests). For candidates of indicator species, we additionally measured grazing rate. Comparison of grazing rate among the vegetation types and negative relationship between grazing rate and flowering rate revealed that grazing effects are stronger in swamp forests and broad-leaved forests than in bogs and fens. This result suggests swamp forests and broad-leaved forests are suitable summer habitat for sika deer. Therefore, we need strong measures against intense grazing impact caused by deer to conserve the ecosystem of the park. The species which were abundant and showed the positive correlation between the total number of grazed individuals and grazing rate for candidates of indicator species were Persicaria thunbergii, Thalictrum spp. and Impatiens textorii. We propose they could be useful indicators to evaluate grazing effects of sika deer.

View full abstract

Sites proposed for sika deer culling within Kushiro-Shitsugen National Park are habitats of endangered red-crowned crane. For having a discussion on the sika deer management in consideration for the conservation of the cranes, we examined the distribution pattern of the cranes along a local road (Kutyorogenya Toro Line) in area called as Kottaro marshland, as well as along the right bank of Kushiro River where we have considered the possible deer culling. We surveyed the cranes from a fixed observation spot in Kottaro marshland and searched their footprints by traversing the marshland. A series of crane censuses have been also carried out along the right bank of Kushiro River by car or on foot. The location of each crane or each set of footprints was recorded using GIS (geographical information system) and the positional information was analyzed with explicitly spatial context. We found the cranes frequently in areas within 200m either from springs or from water courses in Kottaro marshland from December to February in both 2015 and 2016. We found the cranes frequently in areas within 500m from springs around the right bank of Kushiro River from December to February, and within 200m from water courses along the right bank of Kushiro River from March to October in both 2015 and 2016. Before deer culling, it is important to search around springs and water courses for the existence of the cranes in those areas for the conservation of the cranes.

View full abstract

Recently, changes in vegetation cover, such as bare ground formation and plant species composition change presumably by disturbances of agricultural and development and deer＇s trampling, have been remarkably observed in Kushiro Marsh. Vegetation change is known to alter soil nutrient dynamics for forests, but not to wetlands, as vegetation is closely related to soil. In order to understand basic information associated with nutrient cycles of various wetland vegetation types in Kushiro Marsh, we clarified stock of minerals and nitrogen mineralization rate in different vegetation types. The results showed that NH4+ concentration in soil solution was low when compared with other wetland ecosystems. Stock of extractable ammonium-nitrogen in 0-5cm soil were highest in fen than other vegetation types. Stock of extractable ammonium-nitrogen in 0-5cm soil was larger in fen and bog. Throughout the finding, due to the geographical morphology, fen in Kushiro Marsh is expected to have large stock of extractable ammonium-nitrogen compared to neighboring sites.

View full abstract

Several seepage marshes are distributed across the Tokai area of Japan. Currently, they are in focus because they represent some of the most critical habitats for various indigenous or endangered species. This paper presents the history of their recognition and summarizes the progress made in understanding their environment. The local botanists knew about the seepage marshes of the Tokai area even before the Meiji period. However, it was only after WWII, with the discovery of the unique flora of these marshes, that significant progress was made in elucidating the environment of these marshes. To date, many studies have focused on understanding the seepage marshes in the Tokai area and have explored a wide array of themes: distribution and cause, topography, surface sediments, water quality, hydrology, continuance, environmental changes, and the biological environment. Further, the inter-relationship between each of these themes have also been documented. Some of the key findings from these studies were applied to the conservation and management of the seepage marsh＇s ecosystem. However, with existing gaps in knowledge, further research is required to gain a deeper understanding of some of the understudied aspects of the seepage marshes.

View full abstract

The distinctive seepage wetlands in the Tokai region of central Japan provide important habitats for a variety of wildlife. The Iwayado area of Nakatsugawa-city, Gifu Prefecture, has a particularly large number of these wetlands, and we have investigated their floral and faunal characteristics, and their cultural and historical significance to local people. In a vegetation survey of one seepage wetland, we recorded 79 species of vascular plants, 6 of which were listed in the national red list. In addition, we set automatic sensor cameras to record main mammals occurring wetlands. Also common were mammal species typical of Satoyama (transitional agricultural-wildland habitat), such as raccoon dogs. According to interviews with the land owners of seepage wetlands, the families have been living in Iwayado area since at least 180 years ago. They have used seepages as the source of water, firewood, timbers, and edible wild herbs and even cultural materials for a long time. The seepage wetlands are perceived as important lands succeeded from their ancestors, and in recent years the significance of these lands has also been recognized in terms of their biodiversity, such as presence of endangered plants. In conclusion, seepage wetlands contain both natural and cultural values from their (1) high floral biodiversity, including regional endemic and threatened species, (2) abundance of wildlife, and (3) long-standing cultural and historical significance to local communities, especially landowners.

View full abstract

Since sustainable development can only continue when accompanied by stable financial income, the purpose of the article is to introduce a way of operating an urban lake restoration program to bring about a vast and stable financial income. This article uses the case study of the Chu River Han Street (CRHS) program in Wuhan, China, as an example. To prove that the program is valid, economic data from multiple sources were abstracted and were analyzed to determine the impact of this program on the local economy and to reveal potential future changes. In addition, this article briefly introduces the cooperation mode applied between the Wuhan government and Wanda Group. This cooperation model plays a key role in operating the CRHS program, indicating that the private sector can be helpful in maintaining the economic stability of urban river restoration. However, the program will still require additional urban planning as well as the cooperation of other real estate companies in the surrounding area. This result brings to light a new point of view about how and when the private sector should become involved in an environmental program.

View full abstract

[in Japanese]

View full abstract

[in Japanese]

View full abstract