Research Information

We conduct research on dormouse and many creatures together with various researchers. We update our research information to this page, so please look forward to it.
* The papers that can be downloaded are listed as [PDF] next to the title of the paper and the journal.

Academic Papers

Noninvasive Genetic Methods for Species Identification and Dietary Profiling of the Japanese Dormouse Glirulus japonicus from Fecal Samples

Noninvasive methods for species identification and dietary profiling from fecal samples in an artificial nest box were developed for the Japanese dormouse Glirulus japonicus. The species is a natural monument in Japan protected by domestic regulations since 1975. We assessed the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene for species identification and obtained location-specific sequences for Oki and Yamanashi, Japan. This marker was able to identify the dormouse species from feces. We also performed DNA metabarcoding analyses to clarify the invertebrate and plant diets of the Japanese dormouse. Various invertebrates and plants were detected, supporting the omnivorous nature of this species. Furthermore, almost all dietary items were identified to the genus level (82.1% and 99.5% for invertebrates and plants, respectively). The dietary components in Yamanashi Prefecture suggested that the Japanese dormouse mainly consumed Lepidoptera and various plants in summer, and Diptera and Hemiptera (aphids) invertebrates and Actinidia sp. plants in autumn. The latter plants produce fruit in autumn, enabling the dormouse to accumulate fat before hibernation. We discuss the potential and pitfalls of the noninvasive method, including the necessity of local DNA databases, reliability of the global DNA database, sampling procedure to avoid contamination, and individual identification.

Title:「Noninvasive Genetic Methods for Species Identification and Dietary Profiling of the Japanese Dormouse Glirulus japonicus from Fecal Samples」
Author: Sato JJ, Matsuda H, Fujita H, Yasuda K, Aiba H, Minato S
Journal：Mammal Study
Date of issue: Augast 2023

Folia Primatologica「Mitigating the effects of road construction on arboreal Japanese mammals: benefits for both wildlife and people」

Fragmentation of forest habitat has negative effects on arboreal mammals, compromising their natural dispersal and foraging movements. This paper describes an evolving series of mitigation measures aimed at creating cost-effective continuity pathways for arboreal mammals in Japan. The projects have focused on the endemic Japanese dormouse (Glirulus japonicus) a scarce, but popular and iconic species which provides an effective vehicle for environmental education and public engagement.

Title: Mitigating the effects of road construction on arboreal Japanese mammals: benefits for both wildlife and people
Author: Shusaku Minato, Koichi Otake, Kazuaki Iwamoto, Haruka Aiba, Yoichi Sonoda, Shinji Oda, Hiroyuki Komatsu, Manami Iwabuchi, Yoshiharu Sato, Junko Sechibaru, Mieko Yoshida, Atsuhiro Okuda, Osamu Yamamoto, Sayo Iwamoto, Yoshito Kobayashi, Kazuo Fujiyama, Tsuyoshi Kinoshita, Sho Iijima, Hiroyuki Kagawa, Kouji Kamimura, Mitsuo Nunome, Chigako Wakabayashi, Yushin Asari, Noriko Tamura and Pat Morris
Journal: Folia Primatologica-Mitigating the effects of road construction on arboreal Japanese mammals: benefits for both wildlife and people
Date of issue: Augast 2022

Evolutionary and anthropogenic factors affecting the mitochondrial D-loop genetic diversity of Apodemus and Myodes rodents on the northern slope of Mt. Fuji.

Abstract

Nucleotide sequences of the mitochondrial D-loop region were examined in three wild rodents (Apodemus argenteus, Apodemus speciosus, and Myodes smithii) on the northern slope of Mt. Fuji, the highest mountain in Japan, to elucidate the past evolutionary and present anthropogenic processes shaping their genetic diversity. Nucleotide diversity, median-joining network, and mismatch distribution analyses suggested that A. argenteus has multiple divergent lineages, possibly due to multiple previous expansion events, whereas A. speciosus and M. smithii are younger lineages that could be derived from single expansion events. These findings indicate that Mt. Fuji plays an important role as a reservoir maintaining lineages through multiple past expansion events. Artificial infrastructure also affected the genetic diversity of the two Apodemus species, as populations of these species on the two sides of the Fuji Subaru Line roadway were genetically distinct. To construct a proper conservation strategy based on genetic diversity, we suggest that the past and present contributors to genetic diversity must be clarified. Such clarification is especially important for the Mt. Fuji environment, which harbors rich biodiversity but also incurs much human impact as a national park.

Title: Evolutionary and anthropogenic factors affecting the mitochondrial D-loop generic diverity of Apodemus and Myodes rodents on the northern smooth of Mt. Fuji.
Author: Jun J. Sato, Haruka Aiba, Kouichi Ohtake and Shusaku Minato
Journal: Mammal Study, 45(4):315-325 (2020). https://doi.org/10.3106/ms2020-0033
Date of issue: October 2020

WILD ANIMALS OF KII PENINSULA

Title: Occurrence records of Glirulus japonicus in Nara Prefecture, Kii peninsula
Author: S MINATO / S YASUDA / H AIBA / M YANAGAWA and TORII H, Kuwansei Gakuin University, Faulty of Education / Japanese Value Presentation & Research Group Dormouse & Wildlife Institute Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Nara University of Education, Center for Natural Environment Education
Journal: Wild Animals of the Kii Peninsula No. 12 (2019) [PDF]
Posted: 37-41
Publisher:he Society of Researchers for Wild Animals in Kii Peninsula
Date of issue: December 2019

Environmental Education

Journal paper

Research into the status of insects in an attempt to improve biodiversity at Seiwa Campus - Biology Education on Campus in the Faculty of Education -

Abstract

Abstract
The goal of the Seiwa Biodiversity Education Project (SBE-P) program is to make Seiwa Campus an environment rich in biodiversity where students are able to learn about biodiversity. Two methods were used to study the insects on campus. One was the so‒called ‘beating’ method. A survey was conducted of the arboreal organisms in four types of trees and shrubs planted on the campus (October Sakura, Japanese Medlar, Sasanqua and Bayberry). The other method was a ‘sweeping’ survey. Insects that were observed visually were captured in nets and then identified. Using the beating method, a total of 26 species were confirmed.
In the sweeping survey, a total of 26 species was confirmed : 12 from the order Lepidoptera, four from the order Odonata, three from the order Hymenoptera, two from the order Hemiptera, two from the order Coleoptera, one from the order Diptera and two from the order Orthoptera. In addition, new insects attracted as a result of the planting of violets, mandarin oranges and other plants and biotope construction were identified. These comprised 13 species from the order Lepidoptera. These results suggest that Seiwa Campus plays an important role in preserving biodiversity in the urban area. They also confirm that planting vegetation can successfully enrich biodiversity. An environmental education program was formulated based on these results.

Title: Research into the status of insects in an attempt to improve biodiversity at Seiwa Campus ― Biology Education on Campus in the Faculty of Education ― [PDF]
Author: Shusaku Minato, Shiro Fujiwara, Haruka Aba, Masashi Iijima
Publication: Peducational Studies Review / Editorial Board of Education
Posted on: 99 - 106
Published: December 2020

Basic Research and Science Education at the Nigawa River - Basic Research and Biology Education on River in the Faculty of Education -

Abstract

Abstract
The Nigawa River is a short (about 10 km) tributary of the Mukogawa River, which flows through the central area of Nishinomiya City in Hyogo Prefecture. From 2015 to 2019 (excluding 2017), the authors conducted a survey of aquatic organisms at three locations in the Nigawa River. Aquatic organisms are an indicator of water quality. The water quality in the Nigawa River was evaluated based on the survey of aquatic organisms in the river, and a proposal for a Science education program using the Nigawa River and its environs was devised. The aquatic organisms comprised 36 species at Location A, 86 species at Location B, and 33 species at Location C. The water quality was determined to be good water quality at Location A, good water quality at Location B.

Title: Basic Research and Science Education at the Nigawa River ― Basic Research and Biology Education on River in the Faculty of Education ―[PDF]
Author: Masashi Iijima, Kana Seneo, Yuki Watanabe, Haruka Aba, Shusaku Minato
Publication: Peducational Studies Review / Editorial Board of Education
Posted: 107-117
Published: December 2020

Practical trial of integrated‒subject instruction in science and music

This paper is about a class that tried to create something new by combining different things. Minato practiced it from the time he was an elementary school teacher, and this time he practiced it at a university.

Abstract

Abstract
This research entailed a practical trial of integrated-subject instruction in the areas of science and music for a group of students in the Education Department. The objective of the study was to clarify how the students identified points of intersection and differences between science and music. The insights that the students gained with regard to the lesson plans required for science and music were also clarified. Finally, the study aimed to help students to develop the perspectives needed to implement integrated‒subject instruction in future classrooms.
The students were surprised by the fact that different subjects could be merged into a single lesson through the common theme of “learning with the five senses”. They also realized that the integration of two subject areas playing complementary roles can result in deeper learning than single‒subject instruction.

Journal of Pedtology No.11 2 0 1 9 Excerpted from "Introduction".
Title: Practical trial of integrated‒subject instruction in science and music[PDF]
Author: Rei Nagashima, Hiroyuki Komatsu, Shusaku Minato
Publication: Theory of Education
Posted pages: 101 - 108
Published: December 2019