Life & Biodiversity
Biodiversity is essential for maintaining the stability of the natural environment and ecosystems, and it also has a significant impact on human life and the economy. However, the loss of biodiversity due to climate change and human activity is becoming a serious problem. Here, we introduce some of the research undertaken by the University of Hyogo, which aims to achieve sustainable prosperity for humans and living things.
Toward successful reintroduction that is worthwhile for both storks and humans
Tomohiro Deguchi
Associate Professor, Graduate School of Regional Resource Management
Since the 1990s, more than 500 animal species have been reintroduced worldwide, but reintroductions in some species have been successful while others have not. One of the causes is that individual characteristics and variations become biased once the animals are in captive environments. Therefore, conducting follow-up surveys during the survival and breeding process after release is important to elucidate which individuals can successfully adapt to the wild and which individuals cannot live and breed.
The Oriental Stork reintroductions, which I am currently working on, have a history of about 20 years, having started in 2005 . I am organizing and analyzing the data accumulated over the past 20 years based on the findings from past research on the reintroduction of albatrosses. The data analyzed will be useful not only for the reintroduction of storks but also other species, so there is great value in sharing information and know-how with other programs.
The results of the analysis are not only shared in the research field, but are also given back to the local community, including Toyooka City. As a committee member of the local government, I give advice on environmental maintenance and nature conservation, contributing to the conservation of local biodiversity. In creating a favorable environment for various species, excessive restoration is not sustainable; it is important to maintain a balance with human life. By doing so, we can not only protect local nature, but also create an environment where humans can coexist with other species.
Activities to protect biodiversity often tend to focus on wildlife species, but the true target is the people in the surrounding areas, and local biodiversity depends on their activities. By creating a favorable environment for both people and other species, for example, potential tourism resources can be discovered and industrial and agricultural sectors will be enriched, and these mutual benefits lead to the development of the area.
As a researcher and local resident, my role is not only to conduct biological research but also to reach out to the local community and educate students. I am committed to continuing to pursue the ideal approach to reintroduction that will benefit both the storks and the local people.
Expanding Research
Discovering new species through methodical specimen surveys to unravel biodiversity
Takeshi Yamasaki
Associate Professor, Institute of Natural and Environmental Sciences
I am conducting taxonomic research to reveal the species diversity of spiders in the tropical regions of Asia, which are among the most biodiverse areas in the world. I collect specimens from the field and borrow specimens from natural history museums around the world to study undescribed spiders that have not yet been assigned a scientific name. Spiders confirmed to be undescribed based on morphological and DNA information are published as new species with a universal scientific name. For example, in 2018, I described six new species of "ant-mimicking spiders" found on the island of Borneo. My research is not limited to spiders; I also aim to discover new species of terrestrial arthropods. While it is methodical work, I hope to contribute to the understanding and conservation of biodiversity by enriching human knowledge and culture through the discovery of new species.
Creating the future of life with reservoirs together with residents
Kouhei Shibazaki
Assistant Professor, School of Human Science and Environment
The southern part of Hyogo has little rainfall, so from ancient times, many reservoirs have been built to ensure a stable water supply, and they have been managed by communities based around villages. In addition to providing water for agricultural use, the construction of reservoirs has led to the creation of suitable secondary natural spaces where various animals and plants live. They are linked to surrounding rice paddies, waterways, and thickets to form a farming environment and nurture a rich ecosystem. However, due to the decline of agriculture and the aging of the people managing the ponds, it has become challenging to maintain them sustainably. Therefore, I am conducting practical research with residents and the government to create a future where people can live with ponds, such as securing people to cut the grass, which is fundamental to pond management. I will continue to support the wishes of residents to “improve the current situation of ponds and the surrounding local community” and create a system that facilitates the emergence of diverse activities.
Focus on Person
Focusing on communication traits for successful reintroduction
Since storks do not have a well-developed vocal system, they use a non-vocal sound called "clattering," produced by clapping their upper and lower beaks together to defend their territory and maintain a pair bond. I am focusing on studying the individual differences in characteristics and functions of clattering sounds. If individual differences in clattering as communication traits can be elucidated, the variations may provide a new evaluation index for reintroduction. I am researching while referring to examples of non-vocal sounds made by other animals, such as the drumming of woodpeckers and the wing flapping of pheasants. In the future, I would like to contribute to species conservation by proposing measures to improve efforts to reintroduce animals to the wild.
Focusing on communication traits for successful reintroduction
Ayaka Shirai
1st year doctor's program student, Graduate School of Regional Resource Management
Updating the flea taxonomic system after half a century of stagnation
In the laboratory at the Museum of Nature and Human Activities, Hyogo, I conduct taxonomic research on fleas. While fleas have been studied as pests affecting public health, taxonomic research on fleas in Japan has not seen much progress since the 1960s. Therefore, through field surveys and other means, I am focusing on understudied hosts and regions, such as fleas parasitizing invasive species like raccoons and those inhabiting the Nansei Islands. My goal is to update Japan's flea taxonomic system. By exploring the relationship between fleas and mammals, and clarifying the characteristics of fleas based on differences in distribution and hosts, I hope to provide a deeper understanding of these fascinating creatures.
Updating the flea taxonomic system after half a century of stagnation
Ryosuke Akeo
1st year master's program student, Graduate School of Human Science and Environment