Do you know Icheumonid wasp? They are part of Parasitic wasps one of the most species rich and abundant components of terrestrial ecosystems.Despite being one of the most spectacular and perhaps have most variety species insect groups in japan (about 1,700 species are recorded), the family Ichneumonidae has poorly studied yet. It comes from their small size and available taxonomic expertise being limited.In this project we will display hundreds of Ichneumonid specimen and show morphological / ecological diversity of them.
The feeding habitats of apex predators such as raptors have a major influence on the local ecosystem and their predation targets have been analyzed by visual observation. However, raptors usually tear their preys apart as they feed and several parts of the prey are digested by the gastric juice. Therefore, morphological identification of prey animals after digestion requires a high level of exclusive knowledge and experience. In this study, we aimed to clarify the diet of raptors by DNA metabarcoding of pellets of the raptors inhabiting the Shonai region of Yamagata Prefecture in Japan, using three types of universal primer sets. We also aimed to elucidate the reliability and future application potential of DNA metabarcoding.
The purpose of this study was to reveal the change of objects forming water utilization system as a process. Moreover, I try to interpret the meanings that were given by people and topographical features to the objects. We conduct fieldwork, questionnaire survey, participant observation and GIS analysis. The result of this study will contribute how to manage and maintain water utilization system from now on.
Ecosystem-based disaster risk reduction (Eco-DRR) is a concept to reduce the risk of being exposed to natural hazards. It is increasingly recognized globally with more intensive precipitation under the climate change. For depopulation and aging society, adapting Eco-DRR approach is expected to be a sustainable and cost-effective method to reinforce the safety. Our challenge is to promote land use, conserving wetland species habitat and reducing disaster at the same time. How do the biodiversity conservation and risk reduction have synergies? How much is the estimated monetary benefit? Where is potentially good for Eco-DRR? We will show the simulated results with hydrological modeling tool and GIS in Shiga prefecture.
Urban and rural environment is known to be very different, in terms of both natural and anthropogenic means. However, Psuedozizeeria maha and Argyreus hyperbius is found in both of these environments widely in Kanto region. Food plant of the two species, Oxalis and Viola, are commonly found not just as native species, but also as cultivated species or invasive species in some case. Two butterfly species survive in the urban environment not just because of the abundance of food plant, but also because two species adapted to the environment. By revealing the morphological difference of the two butterflies and analyzing genetic flow between different habitats, the impact of urbanization to species characteristics can be found.
Do you know Icheumonid wasp? They are part of Parasitic wasps one of the most species rich and abundant components of terrestrial ecosystems.Despite being one of the most spectacular and perhaps have most variety species insect groups in japan (about 1,700 species are recorded), the family Ichneumonidae has poorly studied yet. It comes from their small size and available taxonomic expertise being limited.In this project we will display hundreds of Ichneumonid specimen and show morphological / ecological diversity of them.