Research Activity Report
Supported by “Leading Graduate Program in Primatology and Wildlife Science”
2022. 02, 09
Affiliation/Position

Wildlife Research Center/M1

Name

Magnus Monge

1. Country/location of visit
Yakushima, Japan
2. Research project
Advanced Training in Field Biology
3. Date2022. 01. 28 – 2022. 02. 03 (7 days)
4. Main host researcher and affiliation
Professors Mitani Yoko and Sugiura Hideki
5. Progress and results of your research/activity
Please insert one or more pictures (to be publicly released). Below each picture, please provide a brief description.

The purpose of this visit to Yakushima was twofold.
Firstly, we gathered identification data on the resident
Yakushima macaques. Secondly, we were conducting
tests on the possibility to observe whales from landaround the island. Upon our arrival we headed to what
would become our main observation point TachigamiIwa Bridge. We were able to observe a small numberof blows coming from at least one whale, confirmingthat it is possible to observe the whales from land on
Yakushima. We continued to search for places toobserve whales before we needed to make the fieldstation ready.
On the second day we started with observing morewhales with more thorough documentation. The
documentation consisted of the observers’ locations Everyone searching for whales on Tachigami-Iwa Bridgewith elevations as well as timestamps of different
on the second day
behaviors and estimates of the number of individuals
being observed. The behaviors we recorded were blows, dives with andwithout seeing the tail fluke, breaches, pectoral fin slaps, tail slaps andwhether or not we could clearly see the whales’ bodies above the water’ssurface.
Following the whale observations, we travelled to a location of the islandthat constituted part of the range of unidentified Japanese macaques. Ourintention was to individually identify as many monkeys as possible. We
encountered what we speculate to be two separate group of animals.
Tentatively referred to as ‘Group A’ and ‘Group B’. We started identification
immediately which is conducted by examining the monkeys for identifiablefeatures, such as facial or other body features that are unique to theindividual animal. Usually, these features are a result of injury such as scarsor loss of function in digits. These features are sketched, noted andPhoto from our first meeting withphotographed for further analysis.
'Group A'. 'Group B' would appear
The third day of this field work was entirely dedicated to observations ofwhales. We travelled around the island in search of good spots to observe sometime later at the far end of thewhales and were quite lucky in our pursuit as we found several spots suitable roadfor whale observations. In terms of documentations, we were instructed inSubmit to：report@pws.wrc.kyoto-u.ac.jp2014.05.27 version

Research Activity Report
Supported by “Leading Graduate Program in Primatology and Wildlife Science”
how to record the weather conditions for cetacean observation. We were able
to see several whales for far longer and far closer than we had before and in
addition to the objective behavior we were able to speculate about more
complex behaviors such as courtship and resting.
The fourth day involved some whale watching. However, the majority of thetime was utilized by returning to the area of ‘Group A’ and ‘Group B’. We
conducted a far more extensive survey of the monkeys and were able to gather
much more identifiable data on the monkeys. As we returned to the fieldstation that night we began the process of sharing our observations andphotographs to conclusively identify the individuals and naming them.
On the fifth day the weather was less favorable than it had been previously, it
was very windy and it rained a lot. This made observations of the monkeys
very difficult as they tend to search for the cover of the canopy when it rains.
We searched for macaques in the morning and late afternoon, but were unable
to observe any from ‘Group A’ or ‘Group B’. We also spent much time trying
to observe whales from a hotel veranda. However, the whales were far out anddifficult to see. We did manage to observe two who did display diving
behavior and pectoral fin slaps.
Frequently
observed'Monkey
The final day was dedicated to observing monkeys. We were able to expand
our knowledge of their range when we discovered them away from our regular Dango' where the macaques huddle
observation spot. In the evening we were able to catalogue our findings of together for warmth in colder
both the monkeys and whales (see figures).
conditions

We were able to observe many deer during
the course as wellThis monkey was named Fredrik.
He can be identified by the scaron his lip, his white facemarkings and the white spot on
the inside of his left hand

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2014.05.27 version

Research Activity Report
Supported by “Leading Graduate Program in Primatology and Wildlife Science”

Figure 1 This table is the result of the consolidation of our observations of ‘Group B’. It contains key
information about the monkeys, their identifiable features as well as photos and images of sketches.

Figure 2. This table is a consolidation of our whale observations. It contains information ontime, location, weather and behavior, It does not however contain our hypothesis of what thefunctions of the behaviors were such as courtship.

Submit to：report@pws.wrc.kyoto-u.ac.jp

2014.05.27 version