History and Present Scope of Field Studies on Macaca fuscata yakui at Yakushima Island, Japan

摘要: Field studies on Japanese macaques Yakushima Island started in the mid-1970s, >25 yr after emergence of primatology, response to criticism methods using provisioning and desire find socioecological factors influencing social life natural habitats. We habituated without mainly coastal warm-temperate forest found that they lived small troops with a high socionomic sex ratio. Observations several troop fissions takeovers by nontroop males suggest have different organization from other For example, youngest ascendancy as dominance relationhip among sisters, which usually occurs provisioned troops, was absent macaques. compared their ecological features those at Kinkazan (cool-temperate forests) abundance high-quality foods may cause stronger intra- intertroop competition Yakushima. Female more positively solicit associate them during mating season. Such tendency promote frequent male movement between fissions. Though form macaques, some such association movements are not accounted for via socioecology. Recent field focused living higher altitudes individual survival strategies taking diverse viewpoints new technologies. DNA analysis fecal samples shows low genetic diversity suggests macaques’ recent expansion lowland highland forests The population censuses conducted annually indicate higher-altitude larger home range but similar group size versus counterparts elevations. unsolved issues socioecology will pose challenge younger generation primatologists. Conservation habitat is one our major activities level protection has gradually increased National Park and, various conservation efforts, its most important area designated World Heritage Site UNESCO 1993. However, large-scale logging 1960s 1970s caused loss macaque habitats led crop damage 1980s. proposed effective protect cultivated fields well plans sustainable use forests, ecotourism fieldwork course university students. Local residents researchers created nongovernment organizations (NGOs) nature study role local NGOs particularly mitigate conflicts people wildlife. hundreds still captured pests Yakushima, we continue measures spread awareness cooperation NGOs.