| Known as migratory birds travelling between Australia
and Japan, Little Terns(Sterna albifrons) are facing extinction.
Every spring, 300 to 500 birds migrate to one of Japan's largest
surviving colonies located in Atsugi, Kanagawa. This colony is now seriously threatened by roadworks planned for the area. |
 |
Please request Environment
Australia to investigate the colony through the embassy to
Tokyo
| Under the banner of easing traffic congestion,
Atsugi City plans to construct a 2.5 km long road which will pass within just 200 metres of the Tern colony. In reply to my question at the Atsugi City Council meeting in June, 1999, it was revealed that forecasts for traffic alleviation after completion of the project were vague and unclear. If this road should go ahead, it is inevitable that illegal dumping of old cars and refrigerators will run rampant, while plastic bags, |
 |
| empty cans,bottles and other refuse, thrown from
vehicles will adversely affect the surrounding area. Amateur photographers and birdwatchers converge on this colony from all over the country, sleeping in their cars and carelessly discarding rubbish which attracts crows and stray cats and dogs. It is only a matter of time before these ill-affects on the colony are irreparable. |
 |
| As can be expected, these planned roadworks are a source of heated debate inside the Atsugi City Council. Even though some 714 local residents have submitted a petition opposing the roadworks, it is a fact that the vast majority of councillors support the project. It is only due to the concerted efforts of caring residents that a final decision on the future of the roadworks, and in turn, the fate of the Little Tern colony has been postponed. However, with the Council meeting set for 18 June, 2001, a final decision must be reached. |
| So that we may protect the Little Tern colony, please write your views and mail them to the following addresses. It is the only form of bargaining power we have left. Your letter may help save the Little Terns. |
| Mr. Iwao Yamaguchi Mayor of Atsugi City mayor@city.atsugi.kanagawa.jp |
Atsugi City Hall 3-17-17 Nakacho, Atsugi-shi, Kanagawa-ken, 243-8511 Japan |
| IMPORTANT: Please request the Australian Embassy to investigate the Atsugi colony. Please also forward me your message for my knowledge. Thank you for your assistance. |
 Concrete threatens
little tern 2 June,2001 The
Age |
| Devastating turn
of events as battling little birds' haven threatened 2 June,2001 The Sydney Morning Herald |
| The
Australian Minister to Tokyo came to Atsugi in February,
2000 |
| Wild
Birdcam,Florida USA links this page from its top page |
| A Canadian
site Birding
Hotspot Around the World links this page |
| A Russian
NGO translated into Russian |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
first upload:15 May,2000 |