Japanese dormouse  (Glirulus japonicus)

Whilst dormice are naturally found at far lower densities than other rodent groups (3), this natural scarcity has been exacerbated by the activities of humans. The primary cause of decline of the Japanese dormouse in the past, and the greatest continuing threat, is habitat loss. The montane forests of Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu Islands have declined greatly in the past. Remaining tracts of forest continue to be threatened by logging, road construction, and the development of tourist facilities (5).

The Japanese dormouse has been designated a Natural Monument, meaning that the Commissioner for Cultural Affairs must approve any changes to the habitat of this species or any actions that would affect the preservation of the species (6). The Japanese dormouse occurs within the Shirakami-Sanchi Natural World Heritage Site and Nature Conservation Area. Situated in the mountains of northern Honshu, it is a remote area unaffected by man (7). The Kiyosato Educational Experiment Project (KEEP) runs a museum dedicated to the Japanese dormouse, and runs programs and classes to educate the public about this endangered species, carries out research, and encourages the protection of critical dormouse habitat (8).