Japan’s wildlife and natural landscapes, though limited by its geographical size, encompass diverse ecosystems from lush forests to coastal areas, fostering unique biodiversity. Iconic species like the Japanese macaque, red-crowned crane, and tanuki thrive amidst this varied terrain.
However, Japan’s dense human population and urbanization pose significant challenges to wildlife conservation. Habitat loss, infrastructure development, and human-wildlife conflicts have intensified. Conflict arises when animals, such as wild boars and deer, encroach upon agricultural lands, causing crop damage and conflicts with farmers. Additionally, issues like overfishing and pollution affect marine biodiversity along Japan’s extensive coastline.
Conservation efforts in Japan focus on balancing the needs of a growing population with wildlife preservation. Measures include creating wildlife corridors, implementing crop protection strategies, and promoting coexistence between humans and wildlife.