Cave Use by Japanese Macaques (Macaca fuscata) in Heavy Snowfall Area, Central Japan

Presence of Feces in the Abandoned Nokado Mine, Tochigi Prefecture of Central Japan, Provides Further Evidence of Cave Use by Japanese Macaques

“…Both positions were relegated to the first few meters from the mine entrance where light penetrates sufficiently. These field observations are almost consistent with those reported by Kashiwagi et al (2012). During our research on the Saru-ana Cave (a natural limestone cave) in a heavily snowy area, on the basis of fecal distributions and infrared-triggered camera-trap systems, we demonstrated that Japanese macaques huddled together in several narrow areas within the cave to collectively maintain body warmth (Kashiwagi et al, 2012;Kashiwagi and Takai, 2017).…”

“…These field observations are almost consistent with those reported by Kashiwagi et al (2012). During our research on the Saru-ana Cave (a natural limestone cave) in a heavily snowy area, on the basis of fecal distributions and infrared-triggered camera-trap systems, we demonstrated that Japanese macaques huddled together in several narrow areas within the cave to collectively maintain body warmth (Kashiwagi et al, 2012;Kashiwagi and Takai, 2017). Therefore, it is likely that the narrowly concentrated areas of feces in the present study were due to the macaques huddling inside the cave gallery.…”

“…In addition macaques in this area used only the gallery near the mine entrance. As noted by Kashiwagi et al (2012), it is possible that macaques avoid complete darkness.…”

“…In addition, several behaviors for avoiding the cold during winter have been reported, such as huddling (Takahashi, 1997;Hayashi & Mizuno, 2011), the use of ledges on steep cliffs (Hayashi, 1969), snow cornices and coniferous forest (Wada & Tokida, 1981;Shitaka, 1984ab;Tarouda, 2002;Izumiyama, 2012) as sleeping sites, and remaining close to a warm water supply pipe from a hot spring (Akaza, 1987). Furthermore, we previously reported that the macaques in Kurobe Gorge use caves as a snow/wind shelter during mid-winter (Kashiwagi et al, 2012;Kashiwagi and Takai, 2017).…”

“…For example the Saru-ana Cave, which is known to be used by Japanese macaques, is a natural limestone cave in the Kanetsuri area along Kurobe Gorge (Kashiwagi et al, 2012). In contrast, artificial caves, such as mines, tunnels, air raid shelters, and other man-made subterraneous openings, can be found all over Japan regardless of geology.…”