（English translation）Higakuru Charm Hunters’ Guide to the Creatures of the Ochiai River

Ochiai River is a place loved by everyone, but do people know what organisms live there? We conducted an organism research.

Endangered species

Japanese eight-barbel loach (Hotoke dojo)

They especially like to live in clean water and where the water is cold. This loach is the motif of Rurume-chan's hat decoration. Among loach species, they swim well.

Gymnogobius castaneus (Musashino juzukake haze)

This fish has black pattern on its body. They like to live where the water flows calmly.

Sparganium japonicum Rothert (Nagae mikuri)

The plant’s fruit looks like the shape of the chestnut. They grow abundantly on the riverbed. This plant mainly grows in spring water.

plant’s fruit

Oriental penthorum (Tako no ashi)

This plant’s fruit looks similar to octopus’s leg, hence its name. Wetland reclamation resulted in a decrease in habitat.

Survey Results

In just 2 hours, we were able to observe 65 different kinds of creatures!

（41 plants, 12 insects, 6 fish, 2 crustaceans, 2 shellfish, 1 bird, and 1 reptile）

We interviewed members of volunteer groups, such as Arajii, who work to protect the river!

Why are various creatures able to live in the Ochiai River?

The main reason is that there is clean spring water.
From the spring water, creatures are connected, and a rich natural environment was created.

Has the Ochiai River always been clean?

Before 1985, the Ochiai River was severely polluted by wastewater from factories and households. However, with the spread of sewer systems, the river has improved to the best-quality water (highest grade AA).

Ochiai River

What actions are taken in order to ptotect the Ochiai River environment?

We conduct activities to educate children about the Ochiai River, giving them opportunities to learn.
Addiionally, several volunteer groups divide into different locations and do activities like river cleaning and biodiversity conservation.