Japan’s Yamashina Institute for Ornithology lends it support to World Albatross Day 2020

The Yamashina Institute for Ornithology was established in 1942.  It consists of a Division of Natural History, a Division of Avian Conservation (Bird Migration Research Center) and an Administration Bureau.  The institute's collection now includes 69 000 specimens and a 39 000-piece library.  The institute conducts ornithological studies and research, as well as bird banding commissioned by Japan’s Ministry of the Environment.  The Yamashina Institute promotes public awareness of ornithology by publishing academic journals featuring research articles, and newsletters introducing research activities in an easy-to-understand format.

Dr. Kiyoaki Ozaki has been the Yamashina Institute’s Deputy Director General since 2010 and is a Senior Researcher.  He has long worked on Japan's albatross projects, both on Torishima and Mukojima in the Ogasawara Islands, notably on the globally Vulnerable Short-tailed Albatross Phoebastria albatrus.

Dr. Kiyoaki Ozaki with two Short-tailed Albatross decoys

Dr Ozaki writes to ACAP Latest News: “The Short-tailed Albatross was once on the brink of extinction with less than 100 individuals but has now increased to over 5000 thanks to persistent international conservation efforts.  However, there are many more albatross species in need of conservation action.  World Albatross Day 2020 is an excellent opportunity to remind us of their needs, and that we can still save these magnificent birds”.

The Yamashina Institute’s support for ‘WAD2020’ has been further demonstrated by photographing World Albatross Day banners with breeding albatrosses on both Mukojima and Torishima for ACAP Latest News in the last month.

Short-tailed Albatrosses by ABUN artist Lucimara Wesolowicz‎, from a photograph by Laurie Smaglick Johnson

With thanks to Teru Yuta, Division of Avian Conservation, Yamashina Institute for Ornithology.

John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 13 April 2020