The Mitsui & Co. Environment Fund
Introduction to Grant Projects
Hokkaido University Field Science Center for Northern Biosphere Associate Professor: Osamu Kishida
The impact of highly poisonous toads that have invaded Hokkaido
Research grant
- Project Description
In recent years the alien Azuma toad species has spread across much of Hokkaido. This toad is highly poisonous, and although there is thought to be some degree of impact on native species who eat the toad's eggs and tadpoles, the actual situation has not been clarified.
This research will investigate the nature, volume and effect of Azuma toad poison based on experiments conducted in outdoor ponds. Outdoor studies will also be conducted to clarify how the spread of the toad is impacting the dispersion and numbers of native species. The findings of this research will be used to consider how to eradicate Azuma toads and protect native species, and at the same time clarify the impact that poisonous alien species have on the native species who prey on them. [No. R16-0008]
- Fields
- Global Environment
- Grant year
- FY2016 Research Grants
- Grant term
- 3 years
From April 2017 to March 2020
- Grant amount
- 8.969 million yen
- Activity region
- Northern/central Hokkaido, Ishikari River basin (Asahikawa, Fukagawa, Ashibetsu)

Overview of the Organization

- Representative
- Associate Professor: Osamu Kishida
Field Science Center for Northern Biosphere
Hokkaido University - Area of specialty: Animal ecology
Academic affiliation: The Ecological Society of Japan, Soc. of Population Ecology
CV (work history, academic qualifications): Graduated from the Hokkaido University Faculty of Fisheries Sciences in March 1999. Joined the Otaru Aquarium Public Corporation in April 1999 and worked as a handler for 3 years. Enrolled at the Hokkaido University Graduate School of Fisheries Science. Acquired a doctorate in fisheries science in December 2006 (worked as a special researcher (DC2) for the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science from April 2005 to December 2006). A member of the Hokkaido University Graduate School of Fisheries Sciences and Kyoto University Center for Ecological Research as a special researcher (PD) for the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science from January 2007 to March 2008. Became Assistant Professor of the Hokkaido University Field Science Center for Northern Biosphere in April 2009, and assumed current role from November 2013. - Recent Activities
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- Yamaguchi A., Takatsu K. & Kishida O. (2016) Contacts with large, active individuals intensify the predation risk of small conspecifics. Ecology 97:3206-3218.
- Takatsu K., Kishida O. (2015) Predator cannibalism can intensify negative impacts on heterospecific prey. Ecology. 96:1887-1898.
- Kishida O., Trussell GC., Nishimura K. & Ohgushi T. (2009) Inducible defenses in prey intensify predator cannibalism. Ecology 90:3150-3158.
- Kishida O., Trussell GC. & Nishimura K. (2009) Top-down effects on antagonistic inducible defense and offence. Ecology 90:1217-1226.
- Kishida O., Trussell GC. & Nishimura K. (2007) Geographic variation in a predator-induced defense and its genetic basis. Ecology 88:1948-1954.
- WEB site
- http://ok.fsc.hokudai.ac.jp