Latest survey footage from Nishinoshima Island shows changing habitat

TOKYO, Oct 03 (News On Japan) - A scientific survey conducted by a Japanese government research team on Nishinoshima Island, a volcanic island in the Ogasawara Archipelago, reveals bird numbers have decreased while the habitat for insects has expanded.

In September, Japan's Ministry of the Environment dispatched experts from various fields to conduct a scientific survey on Nishinoshima Island.

As a result of land surveys using drones and other methods, approximately 30 bird species known as the Brown Booby [Katsuodori], were confirmed.

A decrease in bird numbers, including in the previously dominant breeding area in the western part of the island, may be attributed to changes in the landscape due to volcanic activity.

On land, the habitat for insects was found to have expanded, while underwater surveys for the first time confirmed the presence of a type of coral.

The Ministry of the Environment plans to continue conducting further surveys in the future.

Heavy rain emergency warning in place for Japan's Ishikawa Prefecture

A heavy rain emergency warning is in place for the cities of Wajima, Suzu and the town of Noto in Ishikawa Prefecture, central Japan. This is the highest alert level on the agency's scale of one to five. The area was severely hit by an earthquake on New Year's Day. (NHK)

Ohtani Hits Milestone with 52-52 Record

Shohei Ohtani returned to Dodger Stadium in spectacular fashion, hitting a home run and stealing a base in his first game back, raising his season total to 52 home runs and 52 stolen bases.

China to Lift Japanese Seafood Ban

Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio says Japan and China have reached an agreement that will lead to the resumption of China's imports of Japanese seafood. (NHK)

Tohoku Shinkansen Unexpected Detaches at 315 km/h

The Tohoku Shinkansen came to a halt for five hours on Thursday due to an unexpected mid-journey separation of the linked Hayabusa and Komachi trains, 30 minutes after passing Furukawa Station with a total of 320 passengers on board.

Eruption Warning for Izu's Sumisu Island

The Japan Meteorological Agency has issued an eruption alert for Sumisu Island in the Izu Islands, following the detection of discolored water in July.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Sci-Tech NEWS

Endangered Beetle Captured in Fukuoka for First Time in 20 Years

The endangered Shimagengorou, a fast-swimming beetle known to inhabit still waters such as ponds and rice paddies, has been captured for the first time in 20 years in Ukiha City, Fukuoka Prefecture.

Martian Stone Discovered by Japanese Team to Be Featured at Osaka-Kansai Expo

A new highlight for the Osaka-Kansai Expo, which will be held next year, has been revealed: a 'Martian stone,' roughly the size of a rugby ball, black and rugged.

Japanese Scientists Win Ig Nobel Prize for Anus Breathing Discovery

In this year's Ig Nobels, Japanese researchers have won an award for discovering that mammals can breathe through their anuses, opening a new pathway for ventilators.

The Japanese Astronaut Who Hated Space: Akiyama Toyohiro

In 1990, journalist Akiyama Toyohiro became the first Japanese astronaut and journalist in space. Too bad he had such a rough time of it. (Unseen Japan)

Fuel Debris Removal Restarts: How Dangerous Is It?

The removal of fuel debris, a crucial and highly challenging part of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant decommissioning process, has resumed. This process, regarded as the most difficult aspect of the decommissioning effort, focuses on extracting melted and solidified nuclear fuel, known as fuel debris, from the plant's reactors.