Preserving biodiversity at business sites
Power Device Works (Fukuoka)
Promoting Harmonious Coexisting in Nature at Our
Business Sites by Initiating Studies on Living Creatures
Preserving waterways and green spaces that are accessible to humans and living creatures
Waterway preserved on the premises
On the grounds of the Power Device Works (Fukuoka), located on the coast of Fukuoka Prefecture, there is a waterway that was formerly called the Matsumoto River. It is a small stream that originally flowed in this area, but when the facility was built, it was left as a waterway on the premises. Because almost no embankment work was performed on the stream's banks, many living organisms that prefer freshwater ponds, rice paddies, and slow-flowing rivers can still be observed there. Some of these creatures are believed to have lived in this area since ancient times.
The old Matsumoto River was cut off from its source due to land development around the Power Device Works (Fukuoka). Therefore, the water currently flowing there is rainwater that fell on the premises. For this reason, the facility is now considered to be source of the waterway. A survey of wildlife has confirmed that some appear to have migrated upstream from the sea, indicating that many living creatures use this waterway. We have been maintaining this environment and managing the green space around the waterway to bring it closer to the native vegetation of this land. For example, some of the flora along the waterway was replaced with local native species such as willows and Chinese hackberry. Furthermore, based on advice from external experts, we have deliberately made efforts to vary the height of the grass in the grassy area along the waterway.
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Short stalk grassy area
The grass is kept short to accommodate fauna that prefer bright grassy areas
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Medium stalk grassy area
Excessive mowing is avoided to protect the fauna that live in ordinary grassy areas
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Tall stalk grassy area
The grass is kept at about 1-meter tall to accommodate fauna that prefer tall grassy areas
Conducting wildlife surveys onsite
To understand the community of fauna at the Power Device Works (Fukuoka), we conducted a wildlife survey in 2015 and 2016. We have been promoting environmental conservation efforts based on the results of these surveys. To understand the effectiveness of our activities and the current situation, we conducted additional surveys in 2024 and 2025. With the cooperation of external experts, we conducted three sampling and observation surveys of the flora and fauna on the premises, and also conducted a survey (filming) using motion sensor cameras over a period of eight months.
As a result, a total of over 400 species of plants and animals were confirmed to be living there. Seven important species, including the whisk fern and Japanese eel, were identified, particularly around the waterway. This demonstrates that the green space within the area serves as a habitat for rare fauna and flora in an urban environment. We will continue working to maintain the habitat in an effort to conserve these important species.
A whisk fern (left) and Japanese eel (right) spotted at the facility
A whisk fern (top) and Japanese eel (bottom) spotted at the facility