As the Japanese Countryside Empties Out, Wildlife Is Disappearing

As rural populations decline in Japan and other countries, wildlife is paradoxically disappearing rather than thriving, because small diversified farms create mosaic landscapes that many species have evolved to depend on. A 2025 Japanese study found biodiversity remained stable only in areas with stable human populations, while regions experiencing population loss saw declines in butterflies, fireflies, frogs, birds, and native plants. Conservation experts argue that small-scale farming, rather than complete human absence, is key to maintaining biodiversity and food production.