Butterflies of Mount Fuji

  Japan

Rural Areas

Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Dates: see website for details

Description: Research Mission
Tracing the life cycle of an endangered butterfly to help manage grassland habitats at the foot of Japan's iconic volcano.

Situation Report
Nashigahara and Minobu, near Mount Fuji, Japan -- Japan's largest mountain, a spiritual focus of the Japanese people for centuries, is also the habitat of some of the country's most endangered species. Only 100 kilometers from Tokyo, Mount Fuji is the most-climbed mountain in the world and the focus of rapid development: Rare grassland habitats at the mountain's base, called satoyama, and the species they support, are paying the price for this popularity. Fifteen species of butterfly cling to survival here, even though they are nearly extinct in surrounding areas where forests and development are replacing traditionally managed grasslands. One of these rare butterflies is called Reverdin's blue (Lycaena arginommon), and you can help Michihito Watanabe and colleagues discover the life history and population distribution of this delicate harbinger to conserve its grassland habitat.

Meals and Accommodations
Your team will stay in a typical Japanese-style house with tatami (woven straw floor) rooms accommodating three volunteers each, part of a modern resort hotel. The house has hot showers and flush toilets, and you will be furnished with a toothbrush set (including hand towel and toothpaste) and yukata (traditional Japanese robe) for your comfort. The hotel offers laundry, and wireless internet in the lobby. Meals will be a combination of Western and Japanese-style cuisine, prepared by the hotel, with box lunches to enjoy in the field or udon noodles at restaurant near the field site.

Highlights: Working either at the base of Mount Fuji, or in grasslands along the nearby Fuji River, you will systematically search for either Reverdin's blue adults or larvae. You will capture adults with a butterfly net, mark an identification number on their wings, and collect data on their behavior, condition, and location. When sampling larvae, you will search their food plants to find caterpillars and record data on their location and the presence of symbiotic ants that tend to this species. This is a rare opportunity to see the world-renowned Mount Fuji, the symbol of nature in Japan, from many perspectives. A day off in the middle of the expedition allows time for visiting museums and other cultural attractions, or perhaps even climbing the mountain itself.

Qualifications: Earthwatch volunteers are enthusiastic to learn about the research topic and are willing to contribute their time and energy to support leading scientists in conducting field research. Volunteers will be trained upon arrival at the research site. Teams have a minimum age of 18, unless accompanied by parent or legal guardian, in which case the minimum age is 16.

Cost in US$: $3,246

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Earthwatch expeditions appeal to a variety of people: educators gain new knowledge and develop exciting lesson plans; students explore career options and build research skills; writers, photographers and artists contribute their skills and share their experiences through a variety of media; businessmen and women, doctors and nurses, engineers, homemakers, retirees . . . people from all walks of life choose to volunteer on research expeditions each year. Volunteers are actively engaged on a daily basis with the research project, develop global perspectives, and explore new cultures and environments.

Age Range: 18 - 90 (see Qualifications)

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Japan Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently Or in Groups of 6 - 12

Scholarships are Available. - Fellowships may be available, mainly for high-school students and educators. Visit our website for more information.

Application Process Involves:

• Phone Interview
• Physical Exam/Health Records

Post Services Include:

• Alumni Network

Earthwatch Institute's Mission Statement: Earthwatch Institute engages people worldwide in scientific field research and education to promote the understanding and action necessary for a sustainable environment. Through a unique method of funding, the volunteers Share of Cost contributes directly to the support of the research projects. Earthwatch enables scientists to pursue research goals and members of the public to gain hands-on experience with science. Each year, over 4,000 people from 46 countries directly contribute to scientific research by working alongside scientists, local community members and other volunteers. Earthwatch volunteers can track sea turtles; join archaeological digs; observe animal behavior; collect rare plants, study dolphin behavior and more. The Earthwatch community also includes 20,000 global members, 4,000 eager volunteers each year, 50 collaborating conservation organizations, and 50 corporate partners, all of whom work together to make a difference. Below you will find out more about our leadership, employment opportunities, and contact information.

Year Founded: 1971