Change of landscape and ecosystem services of semi-natural grassland in Mt. Sanbe, Shimane Prefecture, Japan

Abstract

Semi-natural grasslands existed around the country as areas for harvesting and grazing in the past. In recent years, however, the area of these grasslands has significantly reduced and now constitutes 1% or less of the national land. Moreover, the value of grasslands as landscapes and habitat areas for diverse species is currently being reconsidered. Mt. Sanbe, located in the center of the Shimane Prefecture, was previously covered with grasslands. However, this landscape has undergone significant change. In the present study, in addition to understanding the changes in the utilization of pastureland and distribution of grassland, we reorganize the value of grasslands from the perspective of ecosystem services.