A planted larch forest

Karuizawa, located at the foot of the volcanic mountain, Asama, is surrounded by forests and other natural habitats. Its cool temperature in the summer and the beautiful natural environment attract eight million visitors every year. This is the cause of various problems between humans and the surrounding wildlife.

The vast majority of grassland has been lost due to development, and the flora and fauna that used to inhabit this area have been dramatically reduced in numbers. Siebold’s Primrose (Primula sieboldii), a flowering plant that plays a significant role in sustaining the ecosystem, and several other species are now endangered. Deciduous forests have been lost because of clear-cutting, and huge planted larch forests have been abandoned due to the decline in forestry.
These circumstances has resulted in the deterioration and disappearance of habitats for many forms of wildlife.

In recent years garbage and other unnatural foodstuffs are has become increasingly easier to get at through the town. This attracts Asiatic Black Bears (Ursus thibetanus) to residential districts repeatedly and is one cause of conflicts occurring between bears and humans.

Introduced species like raccoons are also having adverse effects on native species and these too are causing problems with the human inhabitants of the area as their population increases.

Considering this situation in Karuizawa, we feel the need to conserve the ecosystem and biodiversity at the foot of Mt. Asama. We need to have a system to sustain and utilize the area’s natural environment and culture at the same time. NPO picchio is trying to understand what is happening in the ecosystem through scientific research. These results are reflected in our wildlife management program, and are also used to suggest improved plans for future conservation to the government and related institutions.
We use these activities, research and management to assist in developing eco-tour and environmental education programs.