Big in Japan: The importance of riparian corridors for Orthoptera

By

Gardiner, Tim
Kuramoto, Noburo
Matsuba, Misako

Type

Article

Date of Publication

2019-6-4

Original Publication

Journal of orthoptera research : JOR

Volume

28

Series / Issue

Issue: 1

Pages

27--35

Subjects

Conservation , ecosystem services , flood defense , floodplain , levee , paddy field , River

Contributed by

Pensoft Publishers

Language

English

Published by

Philadelphia, Penn Orthopterists' Society 1992-

Identifiers

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3897/jor.28.31380

 

Abstract

There are few studies on the Orthoptera of the floodplains, paddy fields, and levee embankments of Japan’s riparian corridors. The research which has been undertaken indicates a relatively rich fauna (33% of Japan’s grasshopper species recorded) with endangered species (e.g. Eusphingonotusjaponicus) found on gravel floodplains, although diversity is restricted by forest cover and unfavorable land uses (e.g. agriculture). Management should focus on the alteration of levee mowing regimes to benefit orthopterans, and the control of invasive plant species and successional processes along river corridors, which appears to be important for grasshoppers of gravel substrates. Integrated Green Grey Infrastructure (IGGI) measures (levee terraces of Asteraceae plants) may enhance populations of Orthoptera and conserve declining plants such as Astertripolium in Tokyo. More research is required throughout Japan to accurately determine the orthopteran fauna and appropriate conservation measures, particularly along super levees and in paddy fields.