Research Activities

Pure and applied research on ornithology is being conducted at the Yamashina Institute for Ornithology. The institute has been receiving Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (Tokutei-shorei-hi) from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology and has conducted such research as "research on survival and recovery of rare birds" (2001-2004) and "research on organization and utilization of Japanese bird species materials" (2005-2008), and has been working on "development and disclosure of Yamashina Institute for Ornithology Database System" since 2009. The institute currently undertakes many other research studies.

The "bird banding" commissioned by the Ministry of the Environment is a research project which enables understanding of migration routes and is useful for monitoring bird populations. It has been continually conducted by the Division of Avian Conservation (Bird Migration Research Center) for many years. Conservation research of the Short-tailed Albatross has been ongoing since 1991.

The funding for research includes self-finance as well as science research grants, other grants and membership fees and donations by individuals and organizations of public and private sectors. The institute also conducts studies commissioned by other governmental and private organizations.

Collection and Management of Library and Specimen Collections

The institute collects literatures and specimens imperative for ornithology research. They are utilized within the institute or are shared for uses by researchers outside of the institute.

Publications

The institute periodically publishes "Journal of the Yamashina Institute for Ornithology", which contains research papers of the institute. It also provides opportunities for other researchers to report on their research achievements.

Support group members receive a newsletter "Yamashina Choken News" every two months. It includes the latest news of the institute as well as interesting stories on birds and ornithology.

Yamashina Award and Promotional Activities

The institute established the Ornithological Award in memory of Dr. Yamashina Yoshimaro (Yamashina Award) to recognize the achievements of organizations/individuals for the development of ornithology research and avian conservation in Japan, and organizes a memorial lecture by the award winner. The institute also organizes various lectures for the general public.

Support Group Membership

The institute has a support group membership system, which allows the members to support the activities and the financial status of the institute. The support group members receive "Yamashina Choken News", and can join various events organized for members.

If you are interested in our Support Group Membership, please contact: