Yamada Shokai Holding and Kobe University Graduate School of Engineering, Ogura University, launched a joint project.
Elucidation of bird habitat use in rooftop gardens using air DNA analysis and comparison with conventional monitoring methods
At the Ad Venture Forum, participants are invited to submit proposals for joint research themes with exhibiting companies.Ad Venture ScholarshipAfter the selection process, joint research based on the theme selected for the scholarship was initiated.
Adopted Theme
Theme Title: Elucidation of bird habitat use in rooftop gardens using air DNA analysis and comparison with conventional monitoring methods
Company: Yamada Shokai Holding Co.
Researcher: Akinori Ogura, Graduate School of Kobe University
Below are the scholarship applications from students
Details of Cooperation
By collecting and analyzing airborne environmental DNA in rooftop gardens, the avian fauna that uses rooftop gardens will be identified. Furthermore, by analyzing the relationship between bird species composition and environmental conditions such as tree species and tree height, we will clarify habitat use by birds in rooftop gardens. In addition, the effectiveness of the environmental DNA survey method will be verified by comparing it with the visual observation survey method. The results of this study will provide useful information for a better understanding of the impact of urban greening on wildlife.
Reason for Application
Environmental DNA analysis is mostly used in the aquatic environment, and its application in the terrestrial environment is considered difficult. Although previous studies have shown DNA collection from the air, the method has not been established and there are few ecological studies. Therefore, we wished to challenge this research using your scholarship. The applicant belongs to the Minamoto Laboratory at Kobe University, a leader in environmental DNA research in Japan, which provides an environment for conducting challenging research. We believe that this study will expand the possibilities of environmental DNA analysis in the terrestrial environment.
Vision for the future
The project will survey the birds that use rooftop gardens, and evaluate the conservation effects of rooftop gardens in urban areas. We will also elucidate the relationship with environmental factors of rooftop gardens, such as tree species, to propose a greening plan aimed at biodiversity conservation.
Establishment of a method to collect DNA from terrestrial organisms has not yet been established. Therefore, through this study, we aim to establish a method to detect outdoor wildlife from environmental DNA in the air.
Future Plans
This year, we will study the research plan and conduct preliminary experiments so that the research can begin next spring. between December and March 2024, we will study the research plan, visit the research sites, and conduct preliminary experiments.
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