Background and Objectives of Activity

Pungitius sp. is a rare annual fish, which has a habitat like a bird’s nest and is parented by male sex.  It used to live in the wide area, however, Kumagaya City in Saitama Prefecture has recently been the only habitat in the world.

It was commonly thought to become extinct after 1963, when Pungitius sp.’s Japanese name, “MUSASHITOMIYO” was given.  Reality, however, it was found in February 1973 in Kumagaya City reported by press and this brought a high recognition among citizens.  Local resident and wild bird society made efforts for poaching prevention.  In 1984, its habitat was designated as a protected treasure.  In the previous year, Saitama Aquarium was established in Hanyu City near Kumagaya City, which promoted full-fledged study and enabled propagation.

Local resident established Civilian Conservation Group for Pungitius sp. in Kumagaya City with a backdrop that Kumagaya City requested its propagation to local elementary and junior high schools.  The Group aims at conservation of Pungitius sp. and its habitat, ecological education and interregional interchange.

Outline and Impacts of Activity

Civilian Conservation Group for Pungitius sp. in Kumagaya City carries out the following activities for its conservation.

(1) Patrol for Poaching Prevention

In succession to the volunteer activity, the Group conducts a patrol for poaching prevention in early morning around its habitat area.

(2) Ecological Correctness of Water Area

It promotes to stock artificially propagated Pungitius sp. in its habitat river by mowing grass.  The river was designated by Ministry of Environment in 1989.

(3) Promotion of Partnership and Assistance with Students in Local Elementary and Junior High Schools

The Group carries out over-summer survey with students in local elementary and junior high schools, who supports propagation.

(4) Training Course for Members and Exchange Activity with Interested Organizations

The Group is vitalizing its activities by exchanging views and opinions with interested organizations that carry out similar activities in different areas.  In addition, the Group carry promotes collaborated campaign activity with other organizations in Kumagaya City, lecture circuit, PR activities and dissemination of ecological education, which contributes to raising public awareness for environmental conservation.

Traits of Activity (Factors of Success)

Civilian Conservation Group for Pungitius sp. in Kumagaya City was voluntarily inaugurated when Kumagaya City requested the propagation of Pungitius sp. to local schools.  Since then, it works to conserve Pungitius sp. and its habitat area in collaboration with local schools, governments, interested organizations, etc.

Production and sales of Pungitius sp. goods for securing financial sources and promoting PR activities gets a favorable reception.

Through presentation of information and knowledge by students, Eco-Club in Kuge elementary school, one of interested organizations, promotes public awareness for environment.

Relevant Websites

• Kuge Elementary School, Kumagaya City: http://www.kumagaya-kuge-e.ed.jp/
• Sayada Elementary School, Kumagaya City: http://www.sayada-e.ed.jp/
• Kumagayahigashi Junior-High School: http://www.kumagayahigashi-j.ed.jp/
• Kumagaya City: http://www.city.kumagaya.lg.jp/

Reference Information

• Introduction of Awarded Case Studies, Grand Prize, 5th Japan River Award
• Website: http://www.360.jp/kumagaya/shizen/tomiyo.htm
• “Pungitius sp. and nature in Motoarakawa” (Partnership Pungitius sp. Conservation Promotion Group) (in Japanese)

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