Japan
Mt. Fuji. Shinto Shrines. Buddhist Temples. Anime. Sushi. Samurai. Cherry Blossoms. Even in 2023, when you mention Japan, this is what many people think of. Japan is so much more. Allow us to introduce you to a part of Japan many people Westerners remain unaware of.
The Japanese Archipelago consists of 6,852 islands that cover a territory of 377,973.89 km2 that ranges from more than 45° latitude at the northernmost to 24° latitude at the southernmost. Due to this extensive range, Japan contains six different climate zones under the Koppen-Geiger classification system. By comparison, the United States, a country more than 25 times the size of Japan, contains only five. Owing to these factors, as well as Japan’s mountainous terrain, the country contains nine different forest ecoregions and four distinct freshwater ecoregions.
This diversity of habitat correlates with a high diversity of flora and fauna. Japan is one of 36 “Biodiversity Hotspots”, as well as one of the few hotspots that are located in a primarily temperate region. Japan has a high rate of endemism, especially amongst its herpetofauna- 46% of all native reptile species and 88% of native amphibian species are found nowhere else. Salamanders of the genus Hynobius are especially well-represented, with about 15 of the 25 known species worldwide endemic to the country.
The country's natural environment is as diverse as its history, boasting snow-capped mountains, verdant forests, and coastal plains. The iconic Mount Fuji, a symbol of Japan, graces the landscape with its majestic presence, while the Japanese Alps provide a haven for hikers and nature enthusiasts. Japan's islands are surrounded by the Pacific Ring of Fire, resulting in a dynamic geological setting with hot springs, volcanoes, and seismic activity. The archipelago's varied ecosystems range from the subarctic in Hokkaido to subtropical in Okinawa, supporting a rich biodiversity. Cherry blossoms, or sakura, herald the arrival of spring in a spectacular display, while ancient cedar forests like those on Yakushima Island offer glimpses into Japan's past. This intricate tapestry of natural wonders sets the stage for a country that seamlessly fuses modern innovation with a profound respect for its natural heritage.
Japan has shown that it is possible to have effective environmental conservation efforts while still maintaining a large human population; 68.4% of the country is forested, in spite of having one of the densest populations in the world. Despite measurable conservation successes, Japan surpasses worldwide trends regarding threats to reptiles and amphibians. Globally, 21.1% of reptile species and 40.7% of amphibian species are threatened with extinction. We reviewed the entirety of the IUCN Red List for Japan (www.redlist.org). Out of 94 species of assessed amphibians, 56 species have been identified by the IUCN as “Vulnerable” or higher, in regard to threats to survival. Out of 101 species of assessed reptiles, 50 were listed as “Vulnerable” or higher. This means that the percentage of species of Japanese herpetofauna threatened with extinction exceeds the global average; conservation actions are warranted[1].
We have been consulting with a legal firm in Tokyo to handle the formation of a local arm of the HCI in Japan. This will allow us to enact our conservation goals with more efficiency. Additionally, Norman Greenhawk has been accepted into an PhD program in Japan. His work in Japan and other HCI projects will serve as his PhD dissertation.