TATSUZAWA Shirow

Profile

TATSUZAWA Shirow Specially Appointed Assistant Professor
Research Subject

(1) Ecological research on wild animals (Japanese sika deer, reindeer, nutrias, and other animals).
(2) Development and practice of methods for reducing conflict between wild animals and local communities (animal damage, alien species problems).
(3) Promotion of public opinion surveys for local residents to reconstruct how they interact with wild animals.

Research Fields
Environmental impact assessment/environmental policy ,Resource maintenance studies ,Ecology/environment
Faculty - Division / Research Group / Laboratory
Division of Human Sciences / Research Group of Regional Science / Laboratory of Regional Science
Graduate School - Division / Department / Laboratory
Division of Human Sciences / Department of Regional Science / Laboratory of Regional Science
School - Course / Laboratory
Division of Humanities and Human Sciences / Course of Human Sciences / Laboratory of Regional Science
Related Links
Message

The laboratory of ecology in the Faculty of Humanities and Human Sciences is proceeding with education and research on sciences (research on the ecology of wild animals) in combination with humanities (research on surveys and policies of regional society)— presumably, an attempt being made only by Hokkaido University among all departments, schools, and faculties of literature in Japan. Though assistant professors cannot serve as formal academic supervisors in the Faculty and the Graduate School, they are willing to provide students with practical support and advice in the fields of investigation and research.

Research fields cover vast areas including Yakushima Island (a world natural heritage site), Mageshima Island (Japan’s largest uninhabited island) and Nara Park for Japanese deer; Kushiro Marsh for minks; western Japan for nutrias; New Zealand for measures against alien species and deer management; eastern Siberia for reindeer and northern indigenous peoples. The research theme, however, has consistently been Community-based Ecological Preservation and Management of Wildlife.

Although research themes and investigation sites vary depending on the student, the basic requirements include interest, inquisitiveness and motivation. Some choose history (that of food damage caused by reindeer) or humans (zoo visitors) as a research subject. I am praised(?) by my students for successfully motivating them while also persistently arguing with them and strictly evaluating them. As I always leave the door of my laboratory open for those in other faculties or universities to provide support or advice and carry out joint research, please feel free to e-mail me.

Postscript: In the summer of 2010, I finally managed to attach a satellite transmitter that took two years to develop to a wild reindeer in Siberia and start follow-up research. If I am not in my laboratory, I may be sipping a cup of coffee on Yakushima Island or in Siberia, or perhaps in a graduate student’s room. Please be patient in searching for me and use me to your advantage when you do find me.