[Topics] A Research Group Led by Assistant Professor Hayato Abe Launches a Crowdfunding Campaign to Investigate the Ecosystem Conservation Effects of Deer Exclusion Fences

2025.11.27 Topics

We are pleased to announce that a research group led by Assistant Professor Hayato Abe (Faculty of Agriculture, Kyushu University), Lecturer Toshimasa Matsuoka (Field Science Education and Research Center, Kyoto University), and Assistant Professor Keita Nishizawa (Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, The University of Tokyo) will launch a crowdfunding campaign titled "Toward a Society Where Humans and Deer Can Coexist! Visualizing the Effectiveness of Deer Fences Through Citizen Science."

This crowdfunding initiative aims to launch a citizen science research project that compares biodiversity and ecosystem functions inside and outside deer exclusion fences installed across Japan. The campaign runs from November 25, 2025, to January 19, 2026, with a funding goal of 1.5 million yen. Through this project, we plan to compare biodiversity (vegetation, insects, and microorganisms) and soil functions (such as carbon storage) inside and outside the fences at a minimum of 50 sites. If we achieve the "Next Goal" (donations exceeding the initial target), we will conduct additional surveys at more sites and perform more detailed analyses of biodiversity and ecosystem functions.

As this research project progresses, it will enable nationwide visualization of deer damage and the effectiveness of countermeasures, making it possible to implement efficient strategies for preventing deer browsing damage even within limited time and budget constraints. We kindly ask for your support in protecting Japan's ecosystems and promoting harmonious coexistence among humans, deer, and nature.

Researcher's Comment

Due to increased populations of sika deer, vegetation browsing has led to rapid biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation across many regions of Japan. By integrating the expertise and technologies of our research group and conducting a nationwide survey, we aim to present new approaches to solving the deer-related issues. Your support will mark the first step in this citizen science project.
(Hayato Abe, Kyushu University)

A view of a deer exclusion fence installed in the forest of Kyushu University's Miyazaki Experimental Forest (Shiiba Village, Miyazaki Prefecture). It is evident that the understory vegetation inside the fence (right side of the image) is preserved compared to the outside (left side)

A trial citizen science survey conducted in the grasslands of Mount Ibuki (Maibara City, Shiga Prefecture). To ensure broad participation and collect high-quality data, we are designing the survey methods while incorporating feedback from participants in the field.

Contact Information

Hayato Abe, Assistant Professor
TEL: 092-948-3101
Mail: abehayato★kyudai.jp
Please replace ★ with @ in the email address

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