What is currently counted among the Japanese Red List of Threatened Species?
According to the latest list compiled by the Environment Ministry released in August 2007, 3,155 species were identified as at risk of extinction, reflecting an increase of 461 from the previous list, which was released in 2000. The ministry’s list does not include ocean fish, as they are under the jurisdiction of the Fisheries Agency. Prefectural governments also compile their own Red Lists, often based on the criteria used by the national government. WWF Japan, a nongovernmental organization, says the prefectural lists provide more detail because they focus on local-level wildlife. What causes species to become extinct? There are multiple reasons, but deforestation and land reclamation for development are major destroyers of wildlife habitats. Alien species brought to Japan can upset ecosystems. Rare insects and plants are under threat because people illegally collect them from their breeding grounds. Climate change is another factor that affects vulnerable species such as coral and
