Animal-pathways Spreading Nationwide
Tochigi Prefecture, Nasu City
This pathway was constructed on a prefectural road within “Nasu Heisei no Mori,” adjacent to the Nasu Imperial Villa. The utilization of Japanese Martens has been confirmed.
Completion: October 22, 2011 Installation: Kanto Regional Environment Office, Ministry of the Environment Design: Animal Pathway Research Association Construction: General bidding, electrical contractor in Gunma Prefecture Visitation: Possible with prior reservation
Nasu Heisei no Mori, Nasu Town, Tochigi Prefecture
In the northern part of Tochigi Prefecture, on the Nasu Plateau, there is a lush forest covering approximately 560 hectares. This forest, which was managed as the site for the Nasu Imperial Villa until the year 2008, has been opened to the public as “Nasu Heisei no Mori,” providing a place for people to interact with nature. It attracts numerous visitors every day.
The forest is traversed by Prefectural Route 290, which connects Nasu Town to Saigo Village. However, the forest is fragmented along this route. To ensure the movement routes for arboreal animals inhabiting the area, the Ministry of the Environment decided to install an animal pathway and entrusted the design to the Animal Pathway Research Association.
The completed pathway (left) and the condition of the road before installation (right).
Construction Process
The construction was carried out by an electrical contractor from Gunma Prefecture. On the day of construction, the work was conducted while controlling traffic to allow one-way passage on the road.
Monitoring after Completion
The design of the monitoring equipment was performed by the research association, and monitoring of the facility’s usage was conducted at the Heisei no Mori Field Center. In the early hours of the following day, October 23rd, a Japanese Marten, which was believed to be already in hibernation, was captured on video.。