Kanta Fujishima
Behavioral biologist and herpetologist
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Welcome to my website! My name is Kanta, and I am currently a PhD student at the Laboratory of Ethology at Kyoto University, Japan and a visiting researcher at the University of Adelaide, Australia. I grew up with a deep fascination towards snakes and the ocean, naturally leading me to study snakes that live in the sea. My current work focuses on the ecology of sea snakes and sea kraits. Viviparous sea snakes and oviparous sea kraits are two distinct groups of elapid snakes that independently transitioned from a terrestrial to an aquatic lifestyle. My studies aim to understand the trophic roles, movement ecology, eco-morphological relationships, and vulnerability towards fishing activities and climate change in sea snakes. I utilize multiple methods such as direct observations in the field, dissection of museum specimens, stable isotope analyses, and behavioral experiments in the lab. Studies of sea snake ecology have been hindered by their elusiveness, and logistical difficulties associated with their marine habitat and toxicity. I believe that much more new and exciting questions can be found through direct, in-field observations of these fascinating reptiles. That is why I try to work in the field with scuba diving and snorkeling as much as possible!
Contact
Contact
Laboratory of Ethology, Department of Zoology, Kyoto University
Kitashirakawa-Oiwakecho, Kyoto, Japan 606-8502
email: kantafujishima606[at]gmail.com (change [at] to @)
Education
Education
PhD student Kyoto University. Apr 2022 – present. Supervised by Prof. Akira Mori
MSc Informatics Kyoto University. Apr 2020 – Mar 2022. "Trophic niches and foraging behavior of marine snakes in the Ryukyu Archipelago". Supervised by Dr. Hideaki Nishizawa
BSc Agriculture Kyoto University. Apr 2016 – Mar 2020. "Morphology, diet and reproductive ecology of two viviparous sea snake species (Elapidae, Hydrophiinae) from the Ryukyu Archipelago". Supervised by Prof. Kazuyuki Moriya
Academic Roles
Academic Roles
Associate Editor of Herpetology Notes 2025–
Research Fellowship for Young Scientists (DC1), Japan Society for the Promotion of Science Apr 2022 – Mar 2025
Research Grants
Research Grants
2021–2022 Sasakawa Scientific Research Grant, Japan Science Society, Grant number 2021-4022 (610,000 JPY)
2022–2025 Grant-in-Aid for JSPS Research Fellows, Grant number 22J23278 (3,400,000 JPY)
2023–2025 Mikimoto Fund for Marine Ecology (734,000 JPY)
2024 10th World Congress of Herpetology, Carl Gans Foundation Grant (750 USD)
2024 Grant for Overseas Research by the Division of Graduate Studies, Kyoto University (400,000 JPY)
2025 JSPS Overseas Challenge Program for Young Researchers (1,100,000 JPY), host researcher: Assoc. Prof. Kate Sanders (University of Adelaide)
2025 Australian Society of Herpetologists 2025 Conference Travel Grant (400 AUD)
Science Outreach
Science Outreach
Japan Sea Snake Spotters: An ongoing citizen science project in collaboration with Churamura and OCPA to better understand the distribution, habitat, and behavior of sea snakes in Japan. https://www.facebook.com/groups/890706932270229
Herpetology magazine Kekokeko (in Japanese): Annually published series with loads of fun herp-related content! Check out our Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/herping_kekokeko/
Online Guide to the Reptiles and Amphibians of Japan (in Japanese): As a collaboration with other early career herpetologists in Kyoto University, we are building a website to showcase all species of reptiles and amphibians in Japan, with updated and referenced scientific information. We are aiming to create an English version in the future.
Professional Memberships
Professional Memberships
Ecological Society of Japan
Herpetological Society of Japan
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