Birds

Mountain Hawk-Eagles

Birds of prey at the top of Japan’s forest ecosystems

Ural Owls

Hunt at night and help protect fields from pests like mice

Eurasian Jays

Plant acorns and help grow the forests of the future

Great Spotted Woodpeckers

Protect the forest by eating the insects that carry pine wilt disease

Bird names are listed in accordance with the Check-list of Japanese Birds, 8th Revised Edition.

Mammals

Deer

Deer populations are increasing rapidly in Japan's forests, with negative effects on their habitats

Japanese Hares

Japanese hares play a vital role in maintaining ecosystem balance

Insects

Rhinoceros Beetles

They favor the sap of broadleaf trees such as sawtooth and konara oaks

Darters

Dragonflies that protect winter-flooded paddies from pests

Living Things That Enrich the Soil

Earthworms

Consume fallen leaves and earth, creating soft soil that is nutrient-rich

Mushrooms

Break down dead wood and leaves, enriching the soil

Fallen Leaves

A valuable source of nutrients in the forest, serving as food for many living things

Tree Roots

Attract a wide variety of microorganisms and increase biodiversity in the soil