SHIZUOKA, Sep 05 (News On Japan) - The Southern Alps are a treasure trove of alpine flora, but their delicate ecosystem is now under threat. Rising deer populations and the spread of invasive species carried by climbers are quietly eroding this natural heritage. On-site conservation efforts are underway to preserve the fragile environment.
Standing on the summit of Senmaida Peak at an altitude of 2,880 meters, Juzan President Kohei Suzuki pointed out the harsh conditions that prevent tall trees from growing, with strong seasonal winds and heavy snow shaping the alpine landscape. This high-altitude area in northern Shizuoka Prefecture has long been home to flowers that date back to the Ice Age. But their survival is increasingly at risk.
“The grasslands surrounded by dwarf pine are thinning, and the ground is starting to show through,” said Suzuki. “This is because Japanese deer have moved up the mountain and are eating the vegetation.”
Climate change has allowed deer to climb to higher elevations, stripping vegetation and degrading the once-rich ecosystem. To counter this, Juzan, a management company under the Tokushu Tokai Paper Group and the landowner, has been working with Shizuoka City for about 15 years to install deer-proof fences. In 2025, fences will also be added to mid-slopes to protect the remaining plants.
“These fences were only set up about two weeks ago, so you can’t see much difference yet,” Suzuki explained. “But in two years or so, the contrast inside and outside the fence should become clear.”
Deer are not the only threat. At the Senmai Mountain Hut, located at around 2,600 meters, white clover, which does not naturally grow in the Southern Alps, has begun to spread.
“Originally, clover wasn’t found here,” Suzuki said. “But seeds have been carried in by human activity. They may stick to the soles of climbers’ shoes or to their gear.”
The spread of non-native plants could undermine the unique ecosystem. To address this, Juzan installed brushes and signs at six trailheads this summer, encouraging climbers to clean their shoes and prevent seeds from being carried in.
A climber visiting from Okayama remarked, “I think we do have a negative impact on the mountains. We need to change our mindset, but it helps that people are providing this kind of support.”
These efforts—deer fences and shoe-cleaning brushes—are being implemented under an environmental conservation agreement involving Juzan, Tokushu Tokai Paper, and Taisei Corporation. Local furniture component manufacturers also contributed by supplying equipment. Together, companies and the community are working to protect what they call “Shizuoka’s treasure.”
“The Shizuoka side of the Southern Alps is rarely visited and is considered a hidden region,” said Hideki Tanaka, head of Tokushu Tokai Paper’s Natural Environment Division. “We want more people to come, coexist with nature, and help ensure this environment survives.”
Source: SBSnews6
