2025年06月10日(火)　13:15～ @seminar room + zoom

Date: 10th June.  (Tue)  13:15-  @seminar room + zoom 

Presenter: Hoi-Lam Jim (Chair: Shinya Yamamoto)

Title: Social attention and decision-making in Asian elephants

Language: English
Abstract: In this talk, I will present my postdoctoral research focusing on Asian elephant cognition, starting with the project as it was originally proposed and following how it evolved over time in response to challenges and unexpected turns. During my time in Japan, I have completed a study investigating whether elephants understand human visual attention, and I am currently conducting another study on their ability to delay gratification. I will share the results and progress of these studies, as well as my plans for future work.

 Alongside the scientific story, I will also talk a little about my experience navigating postdoc life and am happy to discuss anything that might be helpful for those considering a postdoc themselves.

2025年06月03日(火)　13:15～ @seminar room + zoom

Date: 3rd June.  (Tue)  13:15-  @seminar room + zoom

Presenter 1 : Eiichiro Ozasa

Chairperson: Huang Minsheng

Title : My past research (about seabirds) and future research plan (about marine mammals)

Language:  Slides in English, talk in Japanese

Abstract:

[My undergraduate research]

Rhinoceros Auklet, Cerorhinca monocerata, which is widely distributed in the North Pacific Ocean, is a top predator in the marine ecosystem. During the breeding season, auklets forage in the sea during the day and return to their burrows at night to feed their chicks. In the previous study, parent birds do not return for more than two days depending on prey distribution. Chick begging calls may reflect the return time and frequency of the parent birds, thus, understanding of chick call activity may relate to changes of sea environments. In this study, the temporal variation of chick call activity was examined by using passive acoustic monitoring (PAM). Chick calls were automatically detected using a supervised learning approach. The results showed that chick calls were recorded throughout the night, and their activity may reflect the frequency of parental return.

[My future research in master’s course]

Cetaceans are distributed worldwide and are considered umbrella species in the marine ecosystem. In Mauritius, many cetacean species have been recorded, and they are increasingly exposed to pressure from tourism activities. Therefore, continuous monitoring is important for their conservation. PAM is a valuable method for monitoring marine mammals. PAM can record long-term and continuous data on cetacean vocalizations regardless of time or sea conditions. I am planning to analyze acoustic data in relation to temporal patterns and marine environment, such as tidal conditions and phenological changes. In addition, I will conduct interview surveys with captains of whale and dolphin watching ships to support acoustic data.

Presenter 2: Suzuki Momoka

Chairperson: Eiichiro Ozasa

Title: Genetic Analysis of Marine Mammals around Hokkaido

Language:  Slides in English, talk in Japanese

Abstract:

Throughout my master and doctor courses, I have been researching marine mammals around Hokkaido using genetic analyses. In the waters around Hokkaido, one of the global hot spots for marine mammals, many marine mammal species are exposed to various risks: recent climate change, conflicts with fisheries, and infection with avian influenza. However, their extinction risks have not yet been assessed, and there are no species-specific conservation and management measures as of now. Marine mammals are apex predators of the marine ecosystem, so major changes in their abundance or species composition could lead to a collapse of the entire ecosystem in the waters around Hokkaido. In addition, several of the species are important resources for tourism in some areas. Therefore, it is necessary to develop conservation and management measures for each species urgently. From my doctoral course, I will focus on multiple marine mammal species around Hokkaido, including cetaceans, pinnipeds, and sea otters. As whole genome analysis can provide important information to conserve species, I will assess their extinction risks using this methodology. For example, past population dynamics related to historical climate changes can be revealed through the Pairwise Sequentially Markovian Coalescent (PSMC) method, whereas genetic diversity and genetic health can be assessed using genome-wide heterozygosity and runs of homozygosity (ROH) analyses. Furthermore, I will focus on immune genes to assess their vulnerability for serious infections, for example avian influenza. To confirm conservation units of Hokkaido populations, analysis on population genetics will be performed as well.These analyses can contribute to making decisions for conservation strategies on marine mammals around Hokkaido in the future.

2025年05月27日(火)　13:15～ @seminar room + zoom

Date: 27th May.  (Tue)  13:15-  @seminar room + zoom 

Presenter 1 ： Yuka Goto (Chaired by Seki Marie)

Title：How multilevel society impacts parasite infection in feral horses

ウマの重層社会と寄生虫分布の関係

Language: English

Abstract：

Living in groups has both benefits, like better protection and foraging, and costs, such as more competition and higher parasite risk. Interestingly, parasite levels can differ among individuals in the same group, and the reasons aren’t fully understood.Furthermore, recent research has revealed that horse societies exhibit a multi-level social structure.

The aim of this study is to use drone-based methods to obtain precise distance data and investigate how social interactions among horses influence parasite transmission. By analyzing not only intra-individual distances but also inter-group distances, we seek to quantify how multilevel social structures in horses affect parasitism. We used drones to obtain precise distances between individuals, and we assessed the parasite load through microscopic examination using the McMaster technique. This approach enables a more accurate assessment of how parasite transmission is influenced by actual patterns of social contact rather than by group size alone.

集団生活には、捕食リスクの軽減や採食効率の向上といった利点がある一方で、食物や交尾相手をめぐる個体間競争の増加や、寄生虫・感染症への曝露リスクの上昇といったコストも伴います。興味深いことに、同じグループ内の個体であっても寄生虫感染の程度には差が見られ、その原因はまだ明らかになっていません。さらに、最近の研究から、馬の社会は多層的な構造を持つことが分かってきています。

本研究の目的は、ドローンを用いて個体間の正確な距離データを取得し、馬の社会的相互作用が寄生虫の伝播にどのように影響するかを明らかにすることです。個体間だけでなくグループ間の距離も分析することで、多層的な社会構造が寄生虫感染に与える影響を定量的に評価しようとしています。実際には、ドローンによって個体間の距離を精密に測定し、McMaster法という顕微鏡技術を用いて寄生虫の感染量を評価しました。このような手法によって、単にグループサイズだけでなく、実際の社会的接触のパターンに基づいた、より正確な寄生虫伝播の評価が可能になります。

Presenter 2： Liu Liu (Chaired by Tanohata Honoka)

Title: Exploring Musical Elements Influencing Musicality and Drumming Behavior in Great Apes

Language:  English

Abstract：

Rhythmic expression is central to human music, and some researchers have proposed that precursors of musicality may be found in non-human primates. Among these, drumming behavior in chimpanzees has attracted attention due to its structured temporal patterns and occasional social use. Recent studies suggest differences in drumming style and possible links to arousal or communicative sequences, yet experimental evidence on what elicits drumming remains limited. This study uses a playback design to investigate whether specific acoustic features—tempo, resonance, and pitch—systematically influence the likelihood of drumming and vocalization in captive chimpanzees. Behavioral responses are video-recorded and analyzed with BORIS, with attention to frequency, latency, and co-occurring social cues. By examining both stimulus-driven and context-dependent factors, this research seeks to clarify how acoustic structure interacts with chimpanzees’ affective or social states, contributing to ongoing comparative work on rhythm sensitivity and its possible evolutionary underpinnings.

2025年5月20日(火)　13:15～ @seminar room + zoom

Date: 20th May.  (Tue)  13:15-  @seminar room + zoom 

Presenter 1 ： Madoka Ono

Chairperson：　Haruka Shima

Title：Progress report
Language:  English(slide) and Japanese(talk)
Abstract：

This study investigates interactions between killer whales (Orcinus orca) and coastal fisheries in Kushiro, eastern Hokkaido, focusing on the set net fishery targeting barfin flounder (Verasper moseri). I analyzed shipment volume data from 2008 to 2023 provided by the Kushiro Regional Fisheries Cooperative and interviewed local fishers to explore possible impacts of killer whale depredation. Although fishers reported increasing incidents of damaged nets and missing fish since around 2010, the shipment data showed large interannual fluctuations, including both increases and decreases. As such, no consistent declining trend directly attributable to killer whale depredation was observed. Notably, the decline in shipment volume in 2020 coincided with a confirmed observation of killer whales depredating from set nets. To gather additional information, I also conducted interviews in Rausu. According to the fishers and fisheries cooperative staff I spoke with, there have been no reports or experiences of depredation by killer whales in that area.

Presenter 2： Haruka Shima

Chairperson：Madoka Ono

Title：Past and Future of Unihemispheric Sleep Research
Language:  English(slide) and Japanese(talk)
Abstract：

In this seminar, I will present a review of unihemispheric slow-wave-sleep (USWS) in animals. My research focuses on the sleep posture and sleep-related behavior of fur seals, a marine mammal which is known to exhibit USWS. Unihemispheric sleep is a unique brain state in which one cerebral hemisphere sleeps while the other remains awake—distinct from both full wakefulness and conventional bilateral sleep.

Fur seals are amphibious marine mammals that rest and breed on land while foraging at sea. While they are in the ocean, they are known to float at the surface engaging in USWS, but on land, they predominantly exhibit bilateral sleep like most terrestrial mammals.

To understand the evolutionary adaptations that have shaped such flexible sleep strategies in fur seals, it is essential to understand the physiological and adaptive functions of unihemispheric sleep.

In this presentation, I will provide an overview of USWS research, from its initial discovery to recent developments, especially focusing on experimental methodologies and the adaptive significance of USWS.

2025年05月13日(火)　13:15～ @seminar room + zoom

Date: 13th May.  (Tue)  13:15-  @seminar room + zoom 

Presenter 1 ： Sugiura Hideki

Title：Long-term monitoring of Japanese monkeys in western lowland of Yakushima Island Hideki Sugiura et.al.
Language:  Japanese, slides in English
Abstract：We conducted annual surveys of Japanese macaques in the western region of Yakushima
Island from 1999 to 2020. The purpose of the surveys was to monitor annual changes in
basic population parameters and provide foundational data for understanding the ecology
and conservation of the population. The surveys were conducted annually in August by
walking along a total of 18.4 km of roads, including 11.8 km within the World Heritage-
designated protected area and 6.7 km of roads outside the protected area. During the
surveys, we observed groups of macaques on the roads and recorded the sex and age
class of all individuals visible from the roads.
For the analysis, we divided the area into five: area outside the protected area adjacent to
the north side of the protected area, area outside the protected area adjacent to the south
side of the protected area, and three areas within the protected area divided into north,
central, and south sections.
When comparing outside and inside the protected area, both the number of monkey groups
and the number of monkeys were lower outside the protected area, and there was a
decreasing trend from 2001 to 2020. Within the protected area, the number of groups and
the number of monkeys were lower in the northern part. Additionally, there was a
decreasing trend only in the northern part, while no decreasing trend was observed in the
central and southern parts.
The infant/adult female ratio, which is highly correlated with the birth rate, was low in the
southern non-protected area.
The ratio of adult males to adult females was higher in the northern part of the area outside
the protected area and in the northern part of the protected area, and lower in the central
and southern parts of the protected area. This suggest the relative numbers of females are
lower in the non-protected area and northern protected area.
The infant/adult female ratio, which is highly correlated with the birth rate, showed a two-
year cycle of fluctuations from 1999 to 2007. After that the fluctuations ceased. This is
thought to be due to the fact that female Japanese macaques have a birth interval of two
years or more and are less likely to give birth in the year following childbirth.
Outside the protected area, the number of monkeys is thought to be low due to pest
control. However, even within the protected area, the number of monkeys is not uniform,
with a particular decline in the northern region. In the northern region, where past forest
disturbance was smaller than the middle and southern part, forest succession may have
progressed, and reducing the carrying capacity for monkeys.

屋久島西部低地におけるニホンザルの長期モニタリング
杉浦秀樹、揚妻直樹、揚妻芳美、藤田志歩、田中俊明、鈴木真理子、相場可奈、香田啓貴、原
澤牧子、室山泰之、清水桃子、川添達朗、澤田晶子、小山陽子、浅井隆之、早石周平、
久保律子、五島渉、島悠希
私たちは屋久島西部地域で、1999年から2020年まで、毎年定期的なニホンザルの調査を行
った。この地域の個体群の基礎的なパラメーターの年次変化をモニターし、個体群の生態
の理解や保全のための基礎資料を提供することが目的である。調査は毎年8月に、11.8km
の世界遺産地域の保護区内の道路と、その外側の世界遺産でない合計6.7kmの道路の、合
計18.4kmの道路上を歩くことによって行った。調査中、道路上に出ているサルの群を観察
し、道路上から観察できる全ての個体の性・年齢クラスを記録した。
分析は、保護区の北側に隣接する保護区外の道路、保護区の南側に隣接する保護区外の道
路、保護区内を3分割する北、中央、南の道路の5つに分けて行った。保護区外と保護区内
を比較すると、保護区外の方がサルの群、サルの頭数共に、保護区内より発見率が低く、
また2001年から2020年まで、減少傾向があった。保護区の内部での比較では、発見した群

の数、頭数共に、北側で発見率が低かった。また、北側だけで減少傾向があり、中央部、
南部では、減少傾向はなかった。
出生率との関連が高いinfant / adult female の値は、保護区外の南部で低かった。
成体オスと成体メスの比率は、保護区外、保護区内の北部でオスが多く、保護区の中央部
、南部で低かった。
出生率との関連が高いinfant / adult female の値は、出産率が極端に低かった1999年から
2007年まで、2年周期の振動を繰り返し、その後、振動はなくなった。これは、ニホンザ
ルのメスの出産間隔が2年かそれ以上であり、子どもを産んだ翌年は、出産することが少
ないことによる振動だと考えられる。
保護区外では、サルの有害鳥獣捕獲が行われていることから、サルの頭数が少ないと考え
られる。しかし、保護区の中でも、サルの頭数は一様ではなく、特に北部の減少傾向があ
った。北部では過去の森林の撹乱が少なかったため、森林の遷移が進み、サルのキャパシ
ティーが減少している可能性があるかもしれない。

Presenter 2：  Aru Toyoda

Title： Research Plan for 2025: Survey Plan Toward the Development of a Conservation Strategy for Wild Stump-tailed Macaques in Thailand
Language:  English
Abstract： In this presentation, I will outline the 2025 research plan, with a particular focus on activities related to the development of a conservation strategy for the local population of wild stump-tailed macaques in Thailand.
In the Khao Taomor Non-Hunting Area, where I conduct field research, crop damage caused by macaques has become a growing concern in recent years. I will begin by explaining the background behind the increasing visibility of this issue, and then identify the research activities necessary to formulate an evidence-based, appropriate conservation and management plan for the local population. Finally, I will present the specific research activities scheduled for this fiscal year.

Title： Conservation of Primates and Forests in the Kalinzu Forest Reserve, Uganda, and Collaboration with Local Communities
Language:  English (Slides also in English)
Abstract：Since 1992, we have conducted long-term research on chimpanzees in the Kalinzu Forest Reserve, western Uganda. In addition to academic studies, we have actively supported conservation efforts in collaboration with the National Forestry Authority and local communities. Our recent activities include long-term monitoring of primates to support a new ecotourism project, proposing revised tourist routes, and initiating the

habituation of a new chimpanzee group. We have also promoted improved cookstove use and beekeeping to reduce pressure on the forest and support local livelihoods. These integrated efforts aim to conserve biodiversity while enhancing the well-being of surrounding communities.