#Japan #Tokyo #biodiversity #Biome

Explore Tokyo's Biodiversity: The 2025 Summer Biome Investigation

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government has launched an initiative to protect the region's biodiversity by encouraging residents to participate in local wildlife surveys. This summer, the 2025 Summer Biome Investigation invites everyone to engage in this exciting opportunity by using the Biome app, helping in creating a digital wildlife catalog known as the Tokyo Wildlife Ledger.

Starting from July 10, 2025, to September 16, 2025, residents can take part in this project, regardless of their prior experience with wildlife observation. The survey covers a range of habitats, from local parks to the lush mountains and islands around Tokyo, making it a perfect outdoor activity during the summer vacation!

How to Participate

Getting involved is simple! To participate, download the Biome app on your smartphone. Once you have the app, you can start documenting and submitting photos of various wildlife species you encounter. The app is designed to be user-friendly, ensuring that anyone can contribute to this vital research seamlessly.

As a way to encourage participation, those who meet certain conditions during the survey period will have the chance to win prizes through a lucky draw. Participants can engage in various quests that suit their skill levels, ranging from beginner to advanced. A total of 15 quests are available, providing diverse and fun tasks to complete while exploring the wild.

What is the Tokyo Biome Investigation?

Launched in fiscal year 2023, the Tokyo Biome Investigation is part of a broader campaign to gather wildlife data from city residents. The project utilizes citizen-science principles, gathering crucial wildlife information from users via the innovative Biome app, alongside research conducted by experts and existing data from literature and specimen databases. The result will be compiled into the Tokyo Wildlife Ledger, aimed at improving understanding and protection of Tokyo's rich biodiversity.

For more information on the Tokyo Biome Investigation, participation details, and results from the 2024 survey, visit the official website: Tokyo Wildlife Ledger.

Enjoying the Quests

The quests included in the app allow users to engage in wildlife observation just like a game. By finding and posting relevant species, participants can accomplish their quests. Some examples of these quests include:

• - Observation of shellfish and snails – Document two different types of shellfish, including snails and bivalves!
• - Invasive Species Patrol Squad – Participate in observing wildlife on Tokyo's islands, whether you are a local or a visitor.
• - 60 Species Challenge – Aim to submit recordings of 60 different species throughout the summer!

Educational Aspect

Each quest comes with a rules page detailing the quest's objectives and a guide page that helps participants understand how to find specific species. These resources are packed with valuable information about Tokyo's ecosystem, making the investigation a wonderful educational experience.

Special Exhibition at Parthenon Tama

Additionally, the Tokyo Biome Investigation is collaborating with the Parthenon Tama, a multi-cultural facility in Tama City, showcasing results of their surveys in the ongoing special exhibition titled “Tamacity’s Wildlife Collection”. This exhibition will be held until July 29, 2025, offering free entry to all visitors. The focus of the display is on the biodiversity of the Tama area in Tokyo, revealing findings from the ongoing investigations and enhancing community awareness about local wildlife. For more details, visit: Parthenon Tama Exhibition.

Conclusion

Participating in the Tokyo Biome Investigation is not only a chance to explore nature but also to contribute to significant conservation efforts in Tokyo. The digital wildlife catalog will help in making informed decisions about protecting various species and improving the city's ecological health. Join this exciting initiative this summer and become a part of Tokyo’s biodiversity conservation movement!