| Budget Amount *help |
¥2,100,000 (Direct Cost: ¥2,100,000)
Fiscal Year 1996: ¥300,000 (Direct Cost: ¥300,000)
Fiscal Year 1995: ¥700,000 (Direct Cost: ¥700,000)
Fiscal Year 1994: ¥1,100,000 (Direct Cost: ¥1,100,000)
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| Research Abstract |
Relationships between population dynamics of Japanese serow (Capricornis crispus) and habitat conditions, especially clear-cutting and conifer plantations, were studied in Wakinosawa Village, Aomori Prefectre, northern Japan. Serow density (2-5 km<@D1-2@>D1) in mature forests increased 15 years after forest cutting, reaching 15-18 km<@D1-2@>D1, due to an improvement of food supply. A positive correlation between serow density and vegetation cover was noted for young conifer (Cryptomeria) plantations, young and midde-aged secondary forests of decidous trees. Direct observations of serow feeding behavior proved 114 feeding species of plants, and main foods of serows were leaves and twigs of broad-leaved deciduous trees and leaves of forbs. Little change of food habits through a 16 years under a highe serow density (16.7(]SY.+-。[)2.5km<@D1-2@>D1) showed a mild feeding pressure on vegetation. Dietary nitrogen contents (DNC) were 4.3%, 2.8% and 1.2% in Apr. -May, Nov. and Dec. -Feb. , respectively. Fecal nitrogen contents (FNC) were 4.0%, 2.9%, 1.8% and 1.4-1.5% in Apr. -May, Nov. , Dec. and Jan. -Feb. , respectively, and a positive correlation was found between the DNC and the FNC.Since the FNC of paired males and females were similar, the FNC may indicate quality of individual territory. Availabillty for serows in winter may be shown by a subtraction area at 1.5m high from basal area of shrubs. Accuracy of block count for serows was tested in an area (90 ha) inhabited by a known number of serows on the basis of individal identification and home range distributions. As the reslt, the actual number of serows inhabiting the area was accrately counted only for a unit size of 5 ha in winter, and the number was understimated under other conditions.
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