滝本 匠 
June 23, 2022 Ryukyu Shimpo
By Shugo Asato
In connection with construction that is progressing at a site planned for the deployment of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) in Ishigaki City, Okinawa, on June 22 the Okinawa Prefectural Government (OPG) made an appeal to the Okinawa Defense Bureau (ODB), requesting, among other things, a temporary suspension of this construction until August in order to protect breeding seasons and habitats of scarce species, such as the crested serpent eagle (Spilornis cheela) that is a nationally designated special natural monument, at the planned deployment site and the surroundings thereof.
Crested serpent eagles start building their nests around January and lay eggs from the end of March through the beginning of April, and their young leave the nest in August.
The OPG pointed out that the crested serpent eagles become more active in a wide range during the months of January through August, engaging breeding and feeding activities. Additionally, the OPG brought up the example of, during the ODB relocating the helicopter landing strips in the US military's Northern Training Area, construction having been temporarily suspended from March through June which is the breeding season of the Okinawa woodpecker (Sapheopipo noguchii) and other species, and requested similarly suspending construction this time.
In April the ODB confirmed that the crested serpent eagles were building their nests in the surroundings of the planned deployment site, and took measures such as refraining from construction involving noise or vibration.
Spokespeople for the OPG expressed their concern that adequate consideration is not being given due to the suspension period being unclear, only certain construction being limited, and the like. The OPG has also requested that the ODB continuously provide information about these matters, including surveys of the present conditions.
The OPG has been making similar appeals to the ODB since 2019. Accordng to the OPG, the ODB has temporarily suspended construction for a few months in 2019, for a few weeks in 2020, and for a few days in 2021.
(English translation by T&CT and Erin Jones)
