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[E-4 Study of Essential Factors for Preservation of Wildlife in Nansei Islands]

Nature Conservation Bureau, Environment Agency
(Entrust Organ)
World Wide Fund for Nature Japan

[Abstruct]

The objective of wildlife conservation is, as described in Longterm Vision for Enveronmetal Conservation (Environment Agency, 1986), coexistence of humanbeings and wildlife. This should be the fundamental principle to prevent anthropogenic extinction of wildlife species.

Organisms often evolve into special, endemic forms on isolated islands. The Nansei Shoto Islands are recognized worldwide as a region whose fauna and flora has an exceptionally high degree of endemism. On the other hand, the fragile island ecosystems of the Nansei Shoto are vulnerable to changes which could lead to species extinction.

The Nansei Shoto Islands have been inhabited since prehistoric age. Until a few decades ago, the lifestyle of the people had been in harmony with the natural environment. However, critical changes in the natural environment have resulted from continuing development, and traditional lifestyles have largely been forgotten in recent years.