Many rice fields in Japan have been abandoned due to declining farm populations and aging rural communities. Without maintenance, these areas became overgrown with weeds, causing frogs, dragonflies and other wildlife to vanish. In the Aso region, residents and scientists have instead turned unused paddies into permanent wetlands that hold water all year. The standing water gradually seeps underground, helping recharge groundwater supplies used by local communities. The wetlands also create continuous habitat for amphibians, insects and other freshwater species. Earlier winter-flooding trials showed increased wildlife, but fields had to be drained each spring. Researchers therefore tested keeping selected abandoned plots flooded permanently. Work included removing dense vegetation, fixing old irrigation channels and restoring water flow. Villagers collaborated with scientists on the effort. Local farmer Kazuaki Iwamura, involved for fifteen years, recalled that frogs and similar animals were once called ‘guests of the paddies.’ Older residents welcomed the project, hoping to restore familiar childhood scenes of dragonflies and frog calls. Iwamura noted the work aims to preserve nature for future generations, as ancient trees nearby show long-term stewardship. Freshwater wetlands face global threats, and nearly half of Japan’s amphibian and aquatic reptile species are now endangered. Ecologist Yuichi Kano of Kyushu Open University has surveyed biodiversity in the linked winter-flooded fields since 2020. He stresses that recovery requires time and cooperation among researchers, communities and organizations. Such projects may offer models for restoring other damaged freshwater habitats.
