Conservation Efforts at the Tsukuba Botanical Garden
Conservation Efforts at the Tsukuba Botanical Garden
We spoke with Professor Kokubugata, who is engaged in research on endangered plants at the Tsukuba Botanical Garden.
Could you tell us how the Tsukuba Botanical Garden shares information about endangered plant species, particularly through exhibitions or special displays?
As for permanent exhibits, we have a dedicated section for endangered plant species, as well as a multipurpose house where many endangered plants from the Ryukyu Islands are displayed. In addition, endangered plants are planted and exhibited throughout
various parts of the garden.We also have informational panels related to endangered species in the Workshop and Exhibition Building and the Orientation Building.
Furthermore, we host a special exhibition series on endangered plant species once a year at the garden.
Could you share some of the challenges you encounter in the conservation of endangered plants?
Above all, cultivation is the biggest challenge.
Each endangered plant species conserved at the Tsukuba Botanical Garden requires its own specific growing conditions, and identifying and recreating those conditions is not easy.
Getting cuttings and collected specimens to take root and grow in greenhouse settings involves a lot of trial and error.
The endangered plants that visitors see on display are the result of the tireless efforts of our staff working behind the scenes.
Each endangered plant species conserved at the Tsukuba Botanical Garden requires its own specific growing conditions, and identifying and recreating those conditions is not easy.
Getting cuttings and collected specimens to take root and grow in greenhouse settings involves a lot of trial and error.
The endangered plants that visitors see on display are the result of the tireless efforts of our staff working behind the scenes.
Could you tell us about the types of endangered plant species that are being conserved at the Tsukuba Botanical Garden?
We conserve a collection of various endangered plants, including ferns, Orchidaceae (orchid family plants), aquatic plants, alpine plants, and species from subtropical islands such as the Ogasawara Islands and the Ryukyus.
Could you explain why you focus on conserving those particular types of plants?
Ferns, Orchidaceae, and aquatic plants include many endangered species, while alpine plants and those from subtropical island regions are areas where endangered plants tend to be concentrated. Therefore, it is essential to actively conserve these endangered
species. At the Tsukuba Botanical Garden, we have specialists for each of these groups who apply their expertise to conservation efforts. Additionally, we conduct research on plant biodiversity based on the species we conserve.
So, the botanical garden does more than just display plants, then.
Yes, along with allowing many people to enjoy and learn about plants, cultivating plants for conservation and conducting research based on those cultivated plants are also important roles of a botanical garden.
For this reason, the Tsukuba Botanical Garden embraces the mission of 'Understanding, Conserving, and Conveying Plant Diversity.'
For this reason, the Tsukuba Botanical Garden embraces the mission of 'Understanding, Conserving, and Conveying Plant Diversity.'
Could you tell us about the kinds of research you are conducting?
We particularly conduct research to accurately understand endangered plants from a taxonomic perspective. For example, there have been cases where a plant previously thought to be a single endangered species was actually two distinct species, or where
a plant believed to be common between Japan and overseas was found to be endemic to Japan.These taxonomic data serve as important foundational information for conserving endangered plants.
Additionally, we study the relationships between endangered plants and insects, as well as the chemical properties of endangered plants.These data serve as important information for conserving endangered plants in their native habitat.
Additionally, we study the relationships between endangered plants and insects, as well as the chemical properties of endangered plants.These data serve as important information for conserving endangered plants in their native habitat.
Can we also get involved in the conservation of endangered plants?
Yes, you can.
Nowadays, there are active citizen groups that work to protect the local wildlife and environment. By joining such groups, you can help protect not only plants but also animals and the environment as a whole. Many of these groups include people who are knowledgeable about wildlife and environmental issues, so working together with them is a great opportunity to learn a lot.
Recently, global warming has become a serious problem. Some species become endangered due to global warming. For example, alpine plants, which are sensitive to heat, barely survive in cool environments even during summer. Such plants suffer severe damage from abnormal high temperatures in summer. Therefore, eco-friendly actions, like using reusable shopping bags, help reduce global warming and consequently contribute to the conservation of endangered species.
Nowadays, there are active citizen groups that work to protect the local wildlife and environment. By joining such groups, you can help protect not only plants but also animals and the environment as a whole. Many of these groups include people who are knowledgeable about wildlife and environmental issues, so working together with them is a great opportunity to learn a lot.
Recently, global warming has become a serious problem. Some species become endangered due to global warming. For example, alpine plants, which are sensitive to heat, barely survive in cool environments even during summer. Such plants suffer severe damage from abnormal high temperatures in summer. Therefore, eco-friendly actions, like using reusable shopping bags, help reduce global warming and consequently contribute to the conservation of endangered species.
