SUNTORY FUND FOR BIRD CONSERVATION
Grant Projects
TOP >  Grant Projects: FY 2021 Grant Projects
FY 2021 Grant Projects
Grants for Bird Conservation Groups (13 projects, 20 million yen)
→ FY 2023 Grant Projects    → FY 2022 Grant Projects
Organization Name Target Activities Grant Amount
Japanese Society for Preservation of Birds
(JSPB)
Research and conservation activities of endangered birds in Amami Oshima. 3 million yen
Japanese Association of Zoos and Aquariums Development of technology for the creation of Japanese Rock Ptarmigan that can be released into the wild 2.9 million yen
Japanese Association for Wild Geese Protection Lesser Snow Geese Restration Project in East Asia and Raising its Awareness 2.7 million yen
Inter-institutional Panel on Population Management of the Oriental White Stork
(IPPM-OWS)
A project to form an Oriental White Stork conservation network in East Asia 2.5 million yen
Yamashina Institute for Ornithology Genetic analysis for conservation in endangered small birds 2 million yen
The project team for research into and conservation of the Japanese Mountain Hawk -Eable Establishment of the forest management(especially artificial conifer tree forest)in order to conserve the Japanese Mountain Hawk -eagle 1.6 million yen
Okinawa Wildlife Federation A new trial to reduce Okinawa rail roadkill 1.5 million yen
Water Birds Study Group Japan Fact-finding survey on little tern foraging and resting places 1 million yen
Red-crowned Crane Conservancy Research to reduce the dependence of Red-crowned cranes on dairy farms and artificial feeding stations 1 million yen
Japan Bird Research Association Improvement, promotion, and data analysis of an internet database which is used to accumulation and organization of birdwatching records 0.5 million yen
Akita Raptors Survey Group Surveying the habitats and distribution of rare birds of prey, with a focus on golden eagles 0.5 million yen
Certified NPO
Nishichugoku Sanchi Natural History Society
Research and conservation of migratory birds in the Yawatakogen Highlands and educational activities 0.4 million yen
Institute for Environmetal Culture Information on Cionia boyciana breeding sites, stopover sites, and wintering sites in the continent 0.4 million yen

Japanese Society for Preservation of Birds(JSPB)
Research and conservation activities of endangered birds in Amami Oshima.
Amami woodcocks to be surveyed
Amami woodcocks to be surveyed

JSPB is committed to reserch and conservation activities of wild birds and other wildlife and awareness raising activities on them. JSPB and Amami ornithologists' club wild together forcus on research and conservation activities of Amami woodcocks and Owston's Woodpeckers in 2021, endangered species in Amami Oshima. We are planning to to research on the migration route of Amami woodcocks by putting GPS tags in Amami Oshima and Okinawa Island. Also we will research on the home range and popuration of Owston's Woodpecker by putting GPS tags and try to identify how to make suitable nest boxes for them,such as materials,structure and location.

■ Activity locations: Kagoshima Prefecture, Amami Oshima Island
■ Grant amount: 3 million yen

Japanese Association of Zoos and Aquariums
Development of technology for the creation of Japanese Rock Ptarmigan that can be released into the wild
A breeder performing a health check on a grouse (courtesy of Toyama Municipal Family Park Zoo)
A breeder performing a health check on a grouse (courtesy of Toyama Municipal Family Park Zoo)

Since 2015, the Japanese Association of Zoos and Aquariums has been working with the Ministry of the Environment to conserve Japanese Rock Ptarmigan outside their habitat. We are currently working on the analysis of learning behaviors that occur during breeding by mother birds' egg incubation, the study of appropriate environments, the acquisition of intestinal bacteria, and the development of feedstuffs, with the aim of acquiring the abilities necessary for Japanese Rock Ptarmigan to survive in the wild in captivity.

■ Activity locations: Tokyo, Kanagawa, Tochigi, Nagano, Toyama, and Ishikawa Prefectures
■ Grant amount: 2.9 million yen

Japanese Association for Wild Geese Protection
Lesser Snow Geese Restration Project in East Asia and Raising its Awareness
A flock of snow geese that has been restored to over 1,000 birds (November 2020, Ogata Village, Akita Prefecture)
A flock of snow geese that has been restored to over 1,000 birds (November 2020, Ogata Village, Akita Prefecture)

One hundred years ago, large papulation of Lesser Snow Geese,Anser c. caerulescens, was breeding on the Arctic Coast of the Russia and migratiing to East Asia including Japan. This popuration,however,had declined dramatically due to overhunting and artificial change in habitat. Following an agreement at the first meeting for the restoration of Lesser Snow Geese in East Asia, held in Sendai in January 1993, we started a cooperative international project that aims to save this species from exinction in Asia. As a result,the number of Lesser Snow Geese wintering in Japan has increased up to 1667 birds in the last season,2020/2021winter. Besides the successful result, there remain some unsolved problems and subject on Lesser Snow Geese restoration project. We are planning the following operations in recent years:
♦ Monitoring a trend of Lesser Snow Geese wintering in Japan.
♦ Investigation on breeding area to discover nesting sites of Lesser Snow Geese migrating to Japan.
♦ Symposium on Lesser Snow Geese Restoration Project to discuss the scientific problems and to raise public awareness on the project.
♦ Publishing a monograph that introduce the hole contents on the project.

■ Activity locations: Hokkaido, Tohoku, Kanto, Northeast Russia, Korea, China
■ Grant amount: 2.7 million yen

Inter-institutional Panel on Population Management of the Oriental White Stork
(IPPM-OWS)
A project to form an Oriental White Stork conservation network in East Asia
Capturing Oriental White Stork chicks using a high-elevation vehicle (attaching a foot ring)
Capturing Oriental White Stork chicks using a high-elevation vehicle (attaching a foot ring)

IPPM-In FY 2021, IPPM-OWS will aim to continue to support the formation of a stork conservation network in Asian regions and the formation of a meta-population in Japan that serves as the foundation for the network. To this end, we will provide support for improving the environment for multi-pair breeding at municipal breeding grounds, as well as establishing a system to promote successful breeding in new municipal nesting areas. In addition, we will help formulate plans for breeding, raising, and releasing birds, as well as disseminating information internationally.

■ Activity locations: All over Japan
■ Grant amount: 2.5 million yen

Yamashina Institute for Ornithology
Genetic analysis for conservation in endangered small birds
Captured Izu thrush (Miyakejima, Izu Islands)
Captured Izu thrush (Miyakejima, Izu Islands)

The Yamashina Institute of Ornithology was founded in 1932 by the late Dr. Yoshimaro Yamashina, who built an ornithological specimen hall in the private residence of the Yamashina family in Nanpeidai, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, at his own expense. In 1942, the Yamashina Institute of Ornithology was established with the permission of the Ministry of Education as an incorporated foundation. Currently, the Institute consists of a research division consisting of researchers and specialists, and Administration Bureau. The institute's collection now includes 86,000 specimens and 62,000 library collection. The institute, as a base for ornithology, conducts fundamental studies and research, as well as bird banding commissioned by the Ministry of the Environment. Furthermore, the institute promotes public awareness on ornithology by publishing academic journals featuring research articles and newsletters introducing research activities in an easy-to-understand format. On April 1, 2012, Yamashina Institute for Ornithology was incorporated as a public foundation.

■ Activity locations: Hokkaido, Tokyo, Okinawa Island, etc.
■ Grant amount: 2 million yen

The project team for research into and conservation
of the Japanese Mountain Hawk -Eable
Establishment of the forest management(especially artificial conifer tree forest)in order to conserve the Japanese Mountain Hawk -eagle
Mountain hawk eagle nest on a cedar tree
Mountain hawk eagle nest on a cedar tree

This project aims to scientifically elucidate the ecology of the mountain hawk eagle and to conserve environments in which breeding pairs can live and breed in a stable manner. In FY 2021, we will analyze and create a Geographic Information System (GIS) for the distribution of vegetation in the core area where mountain hawk eagles nest in artificial forests, and based on the habitat results for prey animals in FY 2020, we will compile the forest management methods for artificial forests necessary for improving the quantity and quality of hunting sites in the core area.

■ Activity location: Suzuka Mountain Range
■ Grant amount: 1.6 million yen

Okinawa Wildlife Federation
A new trial to reduce Okinawa rail roadkill
Vehicle detection sensor test
Vehicle detection sensor test

Our mission is to create communities and societies that coexist with wildlife on the small island of Ryukyu Arc. Our many trials of Okinawa rail's conservation,such as rescue and captive breeding have led us to success of technical developments in natural brssding and artificial hatching under captivity. We have also startied working on Okinawa rail`s back-to-wild project. Furthermore,we are expanding our activities to the surrounding island of Okinawa to provide veterinary care suitable for local wildlife and take measures against invasive species.

■ Activity location: Okinawa Prefecture
■ Grant amount: 1.5 million yen

Water Birds Study Group Japan
Fact-finding survey on little tern foraging and resting places
Little tern rest site
Little tern rest site

Water Birds Study Group Japan mainly conducts research and conservation activities for birds of the order Shorebirds, especially little terns.

■ Activity locations: Chiba, Okinawa, and Tokyo Prefectures
■ Grant amount: 1 million yen

Red-crowned Crane Conservancy
Research to reduce the dependence of Red-crowned cranes on dairy farms and artificial feeding stations
The family of the first male (front) to be marked and raise chicks at the full age of three in central Hokkaido
The family of the first male (front) to be marked and raise chicks at the full age of three in central Hokkaido

Surveys on the distribution of the Red-crowned Crane and its popuration size. Areal and trrrestrial Surveys during the breeding season, and collecting anecdotal pairs and their chicks. Banding chicks and tracking the previously banded cranes.

■ Activity locations: Hokkaido
■ Grant amount: 1 million yen

Japan Bird Research Association
Improvement, promotion, and data analysis of an internet database which is used to accumulation and organization of birdwatching records
Registered bird-watching sites (left) and Online Birdathon rankings (right)
Registered bird-watching sites (left) and Online Birdathon rankings (right)

To build a society where humans and nature can coexist in harmony, it is necessary to collect basic information on the distribution and ecology of biological species, to understand the current situation, and to consider countermeasures. Japan Bird Research Association coordinates survey schemes in which many people, including amateur observers, participate to collect bird observation records, and analyze the data collected.

■ Activity locations: All over Japan
■ Grant amount: 0.5 million yen

Akita Raptors Survey Group
Surveying the habitats and distribution of rare birds of prey, with a focus on golden eagles
View of a survey site
View of a survey site

The Akita Bird of Prey Survey Group was established to collect information on the habitat, distribution, and breeding habits of birds of prey in Akita Prefecture, as well as to contribute to the protection and conservation of their habitat. In FY 2021, we will conduct field surveys primarily on golden eagles, and through collaboration with relevant government agencies and research groups in a number of regions, we will collect, compile, and share information on their habitat, thus contributing to the protection and conservation of golden eagles in Akita Prefecture.

■ Activity location: Akita Prefecture
■ Activity location: Akita Prefecture

Authorized NPO Nishichugoku Sanchi Natural History Society
Research and conservation of migratory birds in the Yawatakogen Highlands and educational activities
Roller observation gathering and conservation activities
Roller observation gathering and conservation activities

The Yawatakogen Highlands, located in the Nishi-Chugoku Sanchi Quasi-National Park, is a habitat and rest site for valuable migratory birds that include the pine bunting, the yellow-throated bunting, and the roller.We will continue to conduct surveys, research, and conservation activities focused on the ecology of these birds, maintain a healthy ecosystem, and hold nature observation events to spread awareness and educate the public while maintaining close ties to the local community, with the goal of making the precious migratory birds of the Yawatakogen Highlands feel like a more familiar presence.

■ Activity locations: Hiroshima Prefecture
■ Grant amount: 0.4 million yen

Institute for Environmetal Culture
Information on Cionia boyciana breeding sites, stopover sites, and wintering sites in the continent
Installing artificial nesting towers prior to the spring breeding season (Sanjiang Plain)
Installing artificial nesting towers prior to the spring breeding season (Sanjiang Plain)

The foundation, which conserves endangered species such as the stork and crested ibis and conducts its own surveys, has been conducting field surveys to gather information on stork breeding, wintering, and stopover sites on the continent since FY 2019, and will continue these activities in FY 2021.While we assume some activities will not be conducted due to COVID-19, we will take advantage of the collaborative survey and research system we have created to collect and compile highly accurate information through cooperation with local communities.

■ Activity locations: China (Northeast, North China, and the Yangtze River basin)
■ Grant amount: 0.4 million yen