Division of Biological Science andTechnology
Laboratory web site

ResearchLab. ID
Ecology and Conservation
ｆieldBS02
http://natsys.w3.kanazawa-u.ac.jp/research/lab/bio_09.html
http://ecology.s.kanazawa-u.ac.jp/lab3/ecologylab/ecologylab.html
http://ecology.s.kanazawa-u.ac.jp/lab3/Ohkawara3/INDEX.html(Ohkawara's web site)
http://www.usio24111.net (Nisikawa Usio's website)

Research subjects
The scientific field of Ecology focusses on interactions between organisms and their environment. Mainly throughfield work, we aim to clarify ecological phenomena from individuals to populations, communities, ecosystems,landscapes through global scales. The scientific field of Conservation (or Conservation Biology) is aninterdisciplinary study aiming to conserve or restore biodiversity and ecosystems by adopting various approachesof natural and social sciences. The knowledge of Ecology and Conservation is also used in practical fields such as
developing techniques in agriculture, forestry, or fisheries, controlling pathogens, controlling water pollution,conserving endangered species, or managing protected areas. The foci and interests of research are different
among faculty members. Major research themes include: behavioral and community ecology of ants and birds,interactions between fungi and animals, effects of environmental change on mosquito vectors and pathogens,conservation and restoration of biodiversity, social-ecological restoration of paddy-dominated landscapes throughimplementation of wildlife-friendly farming, and invasion risk assessment and management of non-native species.
Master/Doctor course: Education policy, curriculum, typical activity in the laboratory
A joint seminar among the laboratories of Ecology and Conservation is conducted once a week during thesemester period, and students are required to attend and present at the seminar. On some occasions, we invite
guest speakers from other universities or institutes. In addition, graduate students are asked to organize
students' seminar. The contents of the students' seminar are determined based on discussions by students. InTuno lab, a laboratory meeting is held once a week to report research progress, study textbooks, or study papers
that are relevant to students’ research.
Daily life in the laboratory, etc.
From spring to autumn, many students perform field work of their study material, such as insects, crustaceans,amphibians, birds, or mamals. Therefore, not many students are found in the laboratory during the daytime,
though some students perform laboratory experiments. In winter, students spend more time in the laboratory toanalyze samples and data. The activity time or season may differ depending on the study organism. Students whostudy birds need to get up very early before sunrise while those who study crustaceans start working at night
after sunset. Students who study mammals may need to go out to field in winter because it is much easier to findanimal tracks on snow. Our students modify their life styles according to their study organism.
Message or comments by the laboratory faculty staffs◎There are two kinds of people. Some prefer to perform useful studies, and others prefer to conduct useless but
interesting studies. Both kinds of people contribute to development of science. Diversity supports sustainability(N. Tuno).
◎ It is very interesting to observe diverse and mysterious organisms in the natural world. If you feel that wildlife
is interesting, you should go outside and observe directly by yourself. Such positive attitude will make you more
exciting about the nature (K. Ohkawara).
◎ Biodiversity provides unmeasurable benefits to human society. Let’s discuss about how to balancebiodiversity conservation and human activities under global environmental deterioration (Nisikawa Usio).
Laboratory mail address

Nobuko Tuno <tuno*at* staff.kanazawa-u.ac.jp>
Kyohsuke Ohkawara <kyohsuke*at* staff.kanazawa-u.ac.jp>
Nisikawa Usio <usio*at* se.kanazawa-u.ac.jp>