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Reflections

Reflecting on my explorations, I came across a major theme: don't take things at face value. Specifically, when a book is talking about a sika deer, for example, it is generalizing information taken from all subspecies and just thrown into one. Traveling around Japan this Summer has revealed to me that, as authors, publishers, and scientists- we are lazy. We are not taking into full account the importance of sub-species. Why go through the trouble of lableing them as such, if it isn't taken into account. By seeing each sub-species of deer myself and finding all available information in the entire country of Japan and the United States, I am sure that we need to take these differences into account for true biodiversity. There is a reason that each deer is different, and we may think we know the "why," but I truly believe we have so much more to learn. A great example is that the sub-species of sika deer in Maryland just has (C.n. yakushimae) slapped on it, but in reality, it is a mutt of other sika or even other deer species. This information is not widely known, yet the genetic markers are sitting right there. Not only internally can this be seen, but externally as well. The deer in Yakushima look totally different than those in Maryland even though they are labled the same. However, interestingly, even though information exists, it is generalized and not tailored to this sub-species, so information on government or departent websites are usually wrong or off. As reseachers, it is our duty to make sure information is the truest it could be, and something like generalizing a sub-species can be detrimental for research an exploring these animals for what they are.

Review of Seek and Merlin Bird ID

As someone who frequently uses these apps all around the world (Nambia, South Africa, Italy, France, Costa Rica, French Polynesia, Greece, etc.) I can say they are generally good applications. While there are restrictions on some regions, (especially in Japan and French Polynesia) it can identify plants and birds well. Seek specifically seemed to have more wrong answers than Merlin especially when it came to trees. Seek has only seldom been correct with trees, while it is usually correct with bugs, flowers, or animals. Merlin has been almost perfect. While there is confusion here and there (Turkeys for some reason), it is very reliable. To confirm reliability, accuracy has been checked with actual field guides or confirmed with locals. Not only this, but Merlin has identified birds in setting where it is difficult to hear such as in a hunting tent or inside a cabin. I also enjoy the layout of the app and appreciate the audio scale to show the patterns of the bird calls. Both apps have good layouts that are easy. One negative I have found is that in areas of low internet, it is difficult to "log" your species. Other than that, I use these apps everywhere I go and will continue to do so.

Please enjoy a small map of the main part of Nara, where many deer interactions occur. From this map you can see all the essentials for sika deer survival including: wooded areas for cover and resting, field areas for feeding, and ponds for drinking. These sika deer also get frequently feed by tourists. They are given special deer crackers (Shika senbei) that fits within their diet! Regarding the map, this was very easy and great for beginners who are new to mapping or are afraid of ARCgis. It is essentially a "point and shoot" way of mapping, with simple icons to mark places, along with measuring tools, and ways to create roads or walking paths. This can be made as simple or as advanced as you want. With regards to my project, a simple map is much easier for those who were curious about how the deer in Nara park may live and move! Tourists are already overwhelemed as is, so why not make it easy to understand.

Check out this presentation! This will be presented to Hokkaido University next week to educate them on what we know and the plan!

Rationale | 1

I believe that utilizing my experience this summer in Japan would be the most enlightening and rich subject. It is a fellowship hosted by Hokkaido University and I plan to travel all around Japan. I will be immersed deep in Japanese culture and learn about the effects of overabundant sika deer populations. Sika deer specifically are known to trample, overeat, and strip bark of many plant species. It also affects small mammals and birds too by destroying habitat and nesting areas. One aspect I would love to explore further is the overabundance leading to less genetic diversity, which in turn dilutes the distinct subspecies of sika deer. Biodiversity is important not only nationally, but also at a local level. Sometimes starting small is the best way to go about it.

Definition of Biodiversity | 2

"Biodiversity is the beautiful variety of all living things upon this Earth, each with their own niches, systems, and behaviors" -Brooke Phillips

Soil and Plant Map

As seen in the photo, Sika deer (Cervus nippon) tend to spend much time in Assateague eating the plants such as marsh grasses and types of ground browse. By looking at the data from this map, we may be able to compare sika deer sightings. Also, with soil types in mind, it could be used to justify certain sika deer differences in different parts of Maryland due to soil quality. Soil quality is very important for making sure plants have enough resources to provide good food for the deer. Overall, I did not like this application. It felt clunky and slow and the controls were a bit sticky. I do prefer ARCgis to this program as a beginner.

Weather and Climate in Nara

Nara is a temperate destination. It has dry and cold winters with hot and humid summers. It is also subject to typhoon season, meaning lots of rain.

Please see the following links for more information: https://climatejapan.com/place/nara/

https://www.studyinjapan.go.jp/en/why/47prefectures/kinki/nara.html

https://weatherblaze.com/weather-history/japan/nara/

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