Restoration of a Meadow Ecosystem
Akaiwa, valley once a forest plantation, was lumbered in the past.
Its area is 60m wide and 300m long. Our aim for this area is to manage
and restore the environment to an ideal meadow state. Which, we believe,
should be thriving with the native flora
and fauna of Karuizawa.
Apart from this activity, this area is scheduled to be an eco-garden.
Its main focus being the investigation of the intricate network between
Japanese primrose (Primula sieboldii), its pollinator (bumblebee)
and the field mice (Apodemus speciosus) which are a nest provider
for bumblebees.
Lastly, this meadow is an active field area for research carried out
by the University of Tokyo. Their main projects include, genetic study
of the Japanese primrose, seed distribution by birds and mammals,
and studies in pollination. |
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Bumblebees (Bombus diversus)
Our organization firmly believes that no two organisms are the same,
and is strongly against generalizing species’ traits. Therefore,
our studies are carried one step further, for example, recognizing
the individual characteristics of each and every being involved in
our field study. Thus, species of Great tit (Parus major), Japanese
giant flying squirrel (Petaurista leucogenys), Montane Brown Frog
(Rana ornativentris), Bumblebees (Bombus diversus) et cetera. are
all individually captured and marked, enabling detailed observations
of breeding activities and migration. These activities facilitate
observations of true science.
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Highland Meadow Flowers and Insects
The foothills of Mt. Asama are located at an altitude of 2000m and
the Ike-no-taira meadow carries with it a unique ecosystem. We focus
on the unique interactions between insects and flowers. The primary
visitors to flowers are Bombus beaticola, but a few species of ants
serve as the dominant visitors to some plant species.
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