乗鞍の在来種を守るために外来種について知っておきたいこと。

Invasive species are organisms that were not originally present in a certain area but have been introduced from other countries or regions due to human activities. Some of these species have extremely strong reproductive abilities, which are said to disrupt the balance of the ecosystem and have a negative impact on native organisms. In Norikura Plateau, invasive plants are expanding their range of reproduction every year, and local volunteers carry out eradication activities every year. However, the speed of eradication cannot keep up with the rate at which invasive species are multiplying, which is a cause of great concern for the local community. What is the problem with invasive species, and what can we do? We will take a look at what you should know about invasive species.

To protect Norikura's native species What you need to know about non-native species.

❶ Where do invasive species come from? What's wrong with them?

Invasive plants are not introduced naturally. They are introduced with the movement of people.Tires, shoe soles, luggage, construction soilThese seeds are carried over mixed in with other things. The increase in invasive species, especially those with strong reproductive abilities, takes away the habitat of native plants. Furthermore, closely related species may interbreed with each other, creating hybrids, which could result in the loss of endemic species that retain genes unique to the area in which they originally lived.

When native species are lost, it affects the insects that live in close relationship with those plants, and the animals that eat them.The original ecosystem is being disrupted.If it spreads further into the alpine zone, for example, the precious food source of the Japanese ptarmigan, which is the symbol of Mt. Norikura, will disappear, and extinction will become a reality. There is also a risk that the Dicentra, known as the queen of alpine plants, will be exterminated. This would mean that the evolutionary history of this region, which has taken place over many years, will be lost. Therefore, in Norikura Plateau, which is located in a national park and is home to many precious plants and animals that need to be protected, we are working to protect the ecosystems that have lived together in the region and cherished them.Preserving the ecosystem of precious native species for future generationsWe are focusing on investigating and taking measures against invasive species.

❷ The current situation of invasive species spreading across the Norikura Plateau

The Norikura Plateau Miraiz Concept Council is taking the lead in taking measures against invasive species in Norikura Plateau. They are investigating the types and distribution of invasive species and considering implementation plans for future measures, while setting priorities to protect the original natural environment of the Norikura area.

The current distribution of invasive species that have invaded the Norikura Plateau is as follows:Click hereYou can check it.
Below are the main invasive species that have been marked on Norikura Plateau.

1. Specified alien species

Red-legged grass

Coreopsis

2. Comprehensive measures against invasive alien species

Dandelion

Plantain

Oxeye daisy

Japanese mustard

Aragaya Hangonso

3. Industrially Controlled Invasive Species

Robinia

4. Other

Butana

3. What we can do to prevent the further spread of invasive species

The basics of invasive species control are very simple."Don't put it in," "Don't throw it away," and "Don't spread it around"(Three principles for preventing damage caused by invasive species)

1. Can't enter...Do not introduce invasive species into areas where they do not naturally occur.
2. Don't throw it away...Do not discard any invasive species that you have raised or cultivated into the wild.
3. Don't spread it...Prevent the spread of invasive species already present in the wild to other areas.

In particular, when traveling to other regions, small animals such as insects and plant seeds may be mixed in with luggage, souvenirs, or soil attached to them. Be careful not to bring these in unintentionally.

In addition, since you can access Mt. Norikura from Norikura Plateau by bus, it is easy for invasive species to be brought into the alpine zone on the soles of shoes. Therefore, during the season, there is a bus stop at the Norikura Tourist Center's Mt. Norikura Tatamidaira bus stop.Seed Removal MatBy wiping off any dirt from the soles of your shoes before boarding the bus, you can help prevent the spread of invasive species.

❹ Participate in invasive species eradication activities

Every year, volunteers carry out invasive species removal activities in Norikura Highlands. The activities are mainly carried out by local residents, but anyone can participate, including local business owners, tourists, and anyone who loves or wants to learn more about Norikura's nature.

"Norikura Invasive Species Eradication" Facebook pageThe website contains an invitation to participate in the extermination activities and detailed information about the activities. If you are interested, please join us!

What did you think? Although they are invasive species, they are still living creatures. They are often portrayed as the villains because they disrupt the original ecosystem, but invasive plants are not entirely to blame. It is undoubtedly us humans who have created the current environment in which invasive species have become so rampant. Through the issue of invasive species, why not join us in thinking and acting on what the ideal ecosystem and environment for Norikura would be, and how each of us can interact with this region to achieve that? To tackle the issue of invasive species, we need the help of as many people as possible. We look forward to your participation!

Norikura Invasive Species Control Facebook Page