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coast  of  Hokkaido,  where  they  delved                                                        Dr  Saito’s  presentation  also  shed  light  on

              further    into  the  intricate  web  of  wildlife                                               the implementation of a novel bumper road


              conservation and indigenous wisdom of the                                                        technology, a pioneering initiative aimed at


              Japanese  people.  The  day  commenced                                                           safeguarding avian populations by creating


              with  a  visit  to  the  renowned  Kushiro                                                       noise  and  vibrations  to  warn  them  of


              Shitsugen  Wildlife  Center,  a  beacon  of                                                      incoming  traffic,  thereby  reducing  the


              conservation                         excellence,                     and               a         incidence                    of            roadkill.                Moreover,


              distinguished  biodiversity  hotspot  within                                                     participants                   were            informed                of         the

              the  lush  Kushiro  National  Park.  Here,                                                       detrimental  effects  of  lead  poisoning  on


              participants  were  privileged  to  attend  a                                                    eagles,  particularly  when  they  feed  on


              captivating  talk  by  Dr.  Keisuke  Saito,  a                                                   carcasses  shot  with  lead  bullets.  Dr.  Saito


              distinguished  wildlife  expert  of  the  host                                                   highlighted  the  pivotal  role  played  by  the


              institution.  Dr.  Saito  shared  invaluable                                                     center  in  advocating  for  the  ban  of  lead


              insights  into  wildlife  wisdom,  emphasizing                                                   bullets and advocating for the adoption of

              the  critical  importance  of  preserving                                                        copper  alternatives,  thus  exemplifying  the


              keystone  species  like  apex  predators  in                                                     power of scientific innovation in addressing


              maintaining                    ecological                  balance.                He            conservation  challenges.  Through  this


              highlighted the importance of species such                                                       illuminating  experience  at  the  Kushiro


              as  the  Shiretoko  brown  bear  in  controlling                                                 Shitsugen  Wildlife  Center,  participants


              the population of grazer species within the                                                      gained  a  profound  appreciation  for  the


              confine  of  Kushiro  National  Park,  less  their                                               intersection  of  scientific  knowledge  and

              overpopulation leading to a collapse in the                                                      indigenous                   wisdom                 in        safeguarding


              fragile  ecosystem  of  the  region.  The                                                        biodiversity,  aligning  with  the  overarching


              participants  had  also  gained  a  deeper                                                       theme and objectives of ASEP 2016.


              understanding of the center's multifaceted


              approach                  to         conservation,                     including


              innovative  solutions  to  mitigate  accidents

              involving  wild  birds  and  electric  shock.


              They also learned about the center's efforts


              in  treating  and  rehabilitating  injured


              animals,                witnessing                    first-hand                  the


              compassionate  care  provided  within  Dr.


              Saito's  own  makeshift  clinic.  Additionally,


              participants  were  guided  through  the

              construction  of  man-made  birdhouses,


              designed  to  provide  sanctuary  for  wild


              birds amidst urban landscapes.














































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