Dormouse Museum Brochure - by Marina

Yamane Museum Activities “from research to a contribution to society”

Dormouse Museum

● Comprehensive Study The research of behavioral genetics, nutrition, and ecology is studied at the museum to capture various aspects of information about the dormouse. ● Environmental The creation of a "Yamaneburijji" (a Japanese dormouse bridge) was developed as a way for the dormouse to move through the forest over the roads in the country.

In this way, the museum is conducting research and educating the public about the Japanese dormouse’s natural habitat.

●Environmental Education The dormouse is a strange and fascinating creature and the study of its way of life illustrates the wonders of nature and the importance of protecting its habitat. In addition to museum exhibitions, the museum guides conduct environmental education programs and will take you on trails through the forest where the dormouse dwells.

The only museum in Japan dedicated to educating the public

about the Japanese dormouse .

KEEP The Dormouse Museum is located at the Kiyosato Educational Experiment Project (K.E.E.P.) Admission: Hokuto citizens 250 yen 300 yen for elementary school students ( 250 yen if over 20 students) Open:10:00～16;00 Closed on Tuesdays (Open on Public Holidays) Parking: Friendship Center South

The Dormouse Museum is located at the Kiyosato Educational Experiment Project (K.E.E.P.) Phone: 0551-48-3577 FAX: 0551-48-3577 E-mail: yamane-m@keep.or.jp

The Purpose

The purpose of the dormouse museum is to introduce the protection of the Japanese dormouse. Based on research from the investigations and studies by experts the museum makes it easier to understand the habits of the Japanese dormouse in Japan. Protection measures are proposed for the dormouse.

Recent developments related to the dormouse and information on environmental education are also explained through the exhibitions in the museum.

About the Dormouse The dormouse hibernates during the cold period for the six months from autumn to spring. They sleep in tree holes and dead leaves. The dormouse wraps its tail around itself and its body temperature drops to about 0℃. On average the dormouse is about 8cm in length and the dormouse weighs about 18g. It is an endemic species to Japan that is found only in certain areas of Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu. In addition, the dormouse was named a rare species in the Red Data Book for Japan.

Also, a natural monument of the country has been designated to the dormouse as an endangered species. There are 26 types around the world, and in Japan it is said that there are only seven types found. Dormice like to eat flowers and fruit (mostly berries, nectar (honey), dragonflies, moths, and insects such as the praying mantis.

The chance of seeing a dormouse is rare as they are nocturnal creatures. The dormice’s environment is full of danger so they need to be protected.

History

The K.E.E.P. Nature Center was built by the hands of 400 volunteers in 1987. And not until 1998 was the K.E.E.P. Nature Center redone as a museum that featured the theme of the Japanese dormouse which symbolized Kiyosato.

The Dormouse Museum is located at the Kiyosato Educational Experiment Project (K.E.E.P.)

Admission: Hokuto citizens 250 yen 300 yen for elementary school students ( 250 yen if over 20 students) Open:10:00～16;00 Closed on Tuesdays (Open on Public Holidays) Parking: Friendship Center South

3545 Takane-cho , Kiyosato Hokuto-shi, Yamanashi Japan 〒407-0301