Survey of the distribution of alien plants on Amami Oshima Island
Faculty of Agriculture,International Center for Island Studies,Southern Kyushu and Nansei Islands Innovation Center
Ugawa Shin,Suzuki Eiji,Okuyama Masaki
- amami
- yamato
- uken
- setouchi
- tatsugou
Background and objectives of activities
As a World Natural Heritage site, Amami Oshima Island must conserve the “endemic species (organisms that only exist on Amami Oshima Island)” that have been recognized as a legacy of humanity. However, various non-native plants have invaded Amami Oshima Island, and there is a risk that they will take over the habitats of the native plants that originally inhabited the island. Therefore, it is necessary to eradicate the non-native plants, but first it is necessary to clarify what non-native plants have invaded where in order to consider the order and method of eradication.
Summary of Activities
We are recording the types and locations of plants (including both non-native and native plants) in the urban areas and villages of Amami Oshima, as well as in the forest roads and park facilities in the World Natural Heritage Site area, and are creating a plant distribution map for the entire island of Amami Oshima. We are also receiving the cooperation of local residents of Amami Oshima for these activities, and we are holding preliminary training sessions and annual debriefing sessions for those who are cooperating with us.
Expected Benefits
This activity helps to clarify the distribution of invasive plants, and provides the basis for determining the order and method of their eradication. In addition, by continuing these activities, we can detect new invasions of invasive plants. Understanding the current situation of invasive plants and contributing to eradication measures will lead to the maintenance of biodiversity on Amami Oshima Island, and help to protect the richness of the land.