Summary
Abstract Global studies consistently highlight a direct relationship between habitat and species losses, and human population and economic growth. Nevertheless, countries are experiencing below-replacement human fertility and starting to depopulate; among these countries, Japan is a global forerunner. To better understand whether human depopulation automatically yields environmentally restorative outcomes, we examine the impacts of human depopulation on aspects of biodiversity in Japan. Alongside population, land use and surface temperature, we analyse biodiversity change among 464 taxonomic species of bird, butterfly, firefly and frog egg masses, and 2,922 native and non-native plant species in wooded, agricultural and peri-urban landscapes across Japan over periods of 5–17 years from 200
Dig deeper with Pulse AI.
Pulse AI has read the whole catalogue. Ask about this record, its theme, or how the findings apply to UK farming and policy — every answer cites the underlying studies.