Japan Red List: What is it?

The Japan Red List, compiled by Japan’s Ministry of the Environment, categorizes and assesses the risk of extinction for species within the country. This list, which is based on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, a global inventory of threatened species, includes categories such as “Extinct,” “Critically Endangered,” “Endangered,” “Vulnerable,” and “Near Threatened,” among others.

The list serves as a guide for conservation efforts and policies in Japan, informing decision-making about conservation priorities, raising awareness of biodiversity conservation’s importance, and tracking conservation efforts’ progress.

Is the IUCN Red List and Japan Red List the same?

While the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species is the most comprehensive and authoritative global source of information on species’ conservation status, the Japan Red List is a national list of threatened species in Japan. Although based on the IUCN Red List, the Japan Red List includes additional information relevant to Japan, such as the species’ distribution and habitat within the country.

There are key differences between the Japan Red List and the IUCN Red List. The Japan Red List requires a population trend, while the IUCN Red List does not. The Japan Red List includes a Data Deficient category, which is not present in the IUCN Red List. Finally, the Japan Red List is updated every few years, while the IUCN Red List adheres to a consistent four-year update cycle.

Why is the Japan Red List important: Example of Toki bouncing back from “Extinct in the Wild”

Understanding the significance of the Japan Red List for species conservation is a crucial first step in addressing extinction risks. Take, for example, the Crested Ibis, also known as the Japanese Crested Ibis or Toki. This large bird, native to East Asia, is recognized by its distinctive red face, long beak, and white plumage tinged with pink.

Once widespread across Japan, China, Russia, and the Korean Peninsula, the Crested Ibis population saw a dramatic decline in the 20th century due to habitat loss, overhunting, and pesticide pollution. By 2003, the species was declared extinct in the wild in Japan following the death of the last wild Crested Ibis.

However, efforts to reintroduce the Crested Ibis into the wild from captive-bred populations have been underway. As of September 2021, these efforts have yielded some success, with a small population now living in the wild on Sado Island in Niigata Prefecture.

The Crested Ibis, once “Extinct in the Wild” in Japan, had its status updated to “Critically Endangered” in 2018 due to these successful reintroduction efforts. A captive breeding program initiated in 2008 led to the reintroduction of the first Crested Ibis into the wild a decade later. By 2023, the population had grown to approximately 370 birds living in the wild in Japan.

Despite this progress, the species remains at an extremely high risk of extinction, highlighting the ongoing need for habitat protection and efforts to reduce hunting and pollution.

Organizations working hard on conservation in Japan

Nature Conservation Society of Japan

Founded in 1951, the Nature Conservation Society of Japan (NACS-J) stands as Japan’s oldest and largest conservation organization. NACS-J, dedicated to protecting Japan’s natural environment, engages in activities such as endangered species conservation, degraded habitat restoration, and sustainable development promotion.

The organization has played a key role in successful conservation projects, including the reintroduction of the Japanese Crested Ibis. As a member of the IUCN and the World Conservation Union, NACS-J is funded by membership dues, donations, and government grants. With over 100,000 members and supporters, it operates from its Tokyo headquarters and offices in Sapporo, Nagoya, Osaka, and Fukuoka, along with a network of regional offices and volunteers across Japan.

Wildlife Conservation Society Japan

The Wildlife Conservation Society Japan (JWCS) is a non-profit organization committed to global wildlife protection. With a significant presence in Japan, JWCS has contributed to successful conservation projects like the reintroduction of the Japanese Crested Ibis.

Its work encompasses endangered species conservation, degraded habitat restoration, and sustainable development promotion. A member of the IUCN the World Conservation Union, and a founding member of the Japan Association of Nature Conservation Organizations (JANCO), JWCS is funded by membership dues, donations, and government grants. It has over 10,000 members and supporters and operates from its Tokyo headquarters and offices in Sapporo, Nagoya, Osaka, and Fukuoka, with a network of regional offices and volunteers across Japan. Current projects include the Japanese Crested Ibis Project, the Amur Leopard Project, and the Coral Reef Restoration Project.

Wild Bird Society of Japan

Established in 1934, the Wild Bird Society of Japan (WBSJ) is Japan’s largest bird conservation organization. The WBSJ focuses on the conservation of endangered species, restoration of degraded habitats, promotion of public awareness about birds, and advocacy for bird-friendly policies.

The WBSJ has been instrumental in successful conservation projects, including the reintroduction of the Japanese Crested Ibis to the wild. As a member of the IUCN, the World Conservation Union, and a founding member of the Japan Association of Nature Conservation Organizations (JANCO), the WBSJ has influenced policies benefiting birds, such as the establishment of protected areas and the banning of certain pesticides. Funded by membership dues, donations, and government grants, the WBSJ has over 47,000 members and supporters. It is headquartered in Tokyo with offices in Sapporo, Nagoya, Osaka, and Fukuoka, and a network of regional offices and volunteers throughout Japan.