Human Impacts in Temperate Coniferous Forests

Human impact on the ecosystem is bad since the colonization of Hokkaido by the Japanese in the 19th century. The subalpine coniferous forests that used to have even extended to the northeast hills and plains in coastal areas, for the most part, have been cut down (Ishizuka,1974). However, there still remain relatively intact large tracts of forests in Mt. Daisetsu National Park, which is the largest national park in Japan covering several volcanic mountains with extensive spruce and fir forests on its slopes (Azuma & Torii, 1980). The logging of coniferous species suitable for house foundations, building material, wooden coffins and wooden bathtubs led to degradation of coniferous forest in Japan (Anderson,2005). Habitat loss and degradation, in the form of continued agricultural and industrial development constitute the principal threats to red-crowned cranes in Hokkaido (World Wildlife Fund, 2012). Human’s impact on the ecosystem results in species lost. Brown bears on the island are impacted by hunting for sport and damage control as well as vehicular collisions, but the greatest threat is the conversion of hardwood habitats into conifer plantations (Anderson,2005).  Bear damage to conifer regeneration has apparently increased since 1970(Azuma & Torii, 1980). The bears’ distribution has been contracting and there is evidence that annual harvests exceed sustainable levels(Anderson,2005).

Daisetsuzan National Park

In order to protect valuable wildlife, Japanese government is pushing forward various measurements, thus, impact on the ecosystem is not as bad as that was before. Japanese wildlife protection system provides a variety of measures to conserve wildlife under the Wildlife Protection and Hunting Law, and the Law for the Conservation of Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. In addition, two active habitat management measures have allowed the Japanese red-crowned crane population to increase: winter feeding stations and the installation of conspicuous markers on utility lines (World Wildlife Fund, 2012).