Research and Surveys on the Kirikuchi Char
〜The southernmost char species in the world〜
Habitat improvement study (2006) and mountain stream habitat restoration
The mountain streams of the Kii Peninsula are home to the endemic, freshwater
kirikuchi char (Salvelinus leucomaenis japonicus), the southernmost char
species in the world. However, this rare species, a natural monument of
Nara Prefecture, is listed as endangered in the Ministry of the Environment’s
Red Data Book. Portions of the kirikuchi char’s habitat are also designated
as one of the 500 Important Wetlands in Japan.
| Invasive species and heavy sedimentation of mountain streams resulting
in habitat destruction have been identified as major factors leading to
the decline in kirikuchi numbers. |
In this project, timber from forest thinning practices is placed in levelled
waters to create artificial feeding and breeding shallows, which was then
monitored for efficacy.
Artificial shallow (photos: Sato)
Sedimentation
hinned wood being gathered
This 2-year, habitat improvement and restoration project was funded by
the Mitsui & Co., Ltd Environment Fund.
