Zoo Stock Species and the Red List

Zoo Stock

This indicates that the species is included in the Second Zoo Stock Plan, which was formulated by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government in 2018. The plan sets goals for the next 10 years in three areas: "species conservation," "contribution to wildlife conservation," and "environmental education and conservation awareness." 124 animal species are included.

What is the Red List?

Based on scientific research, this is a list of wildlife classified by rank (category) indicating the degree of risk of extinction.
Livng Things Encyclopedia shows the categories (mainland and islands) assessed by the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) at the global level, the Ministry of the Environment for Japan, and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government for Tokyo.

The higher the category in each table, the higher the risk of extinction, and CR, EN, and VU are the three categories known as "endangered species." In Tokyo, species that are not at the NT (near threatened) level but are relatively rare are considered "species of concern."

IUCN categories
EX	extinction
EW	Extinction in the wild
CR+EN	—
CR	Serious crisis
EN	crisis
VU	emergency
NT	Near Threatened
LC・○	Low Concern
DD	Data shortage
LP	—

Japan (Ministry of the Environment) Category
EX	extinction
EW	Extinction in the wild
CR+EN	Endangered species
CR	Critically Endangered
EN	Endangered species
VU	Endangered species
NT	Near Threatened
LC・○	—
DD	Lack of information
LP	Endangered local population

Tokyo Category
EX	extinction
EW	Extinction in the wild
CR+EN	Endangered species
CR	Critically Endangered
EN	Endangered species
VU	Endangered species
NT	Near Threatened
LC・○	Unranked
DD	Lack of information
LP	Endangered local population

Creatures at Inokashira Park Zoo

Grey Heron
Ardea cinerea

They are the largest member of the heron family in Japan. They catch and eat fish, frogs, insects and other creatures in water areas such as rivers, ponds and rice paddies. When the breeding season begins in spring, their beaks, feet and eyes change from yellow to pink. They usually live alone, but build nests in groups in trees, with males and females working together to raise the chicks. The chicks leave the nest after about 50 days and reach adulthood in about two years.

classification	Aves, Pelecaniformes, Heronidae
English name	Grey Heron
distribution	Japan, East Asia, Southeast Asia, South Asia, Eurasia, Africa
Residence	Rivers, ponds, rice fields, etc.
Size	Total length: 90-100cm
food	Fish, insects, frogs and other small animals
Red List	IUCN: LC (Least Concern)

Inokashira Park Zoo Exhibition Area

Inokashira Park Zoo and Waterside Birds

When I was young, I didn't stand out

The name comes from the bluish color of their feathers, but for the first 1-2 years of their life, they have a different, less conspicuous grayish color than adults. This feather color seems to act as a camouflage color during the day when they are more susceptible to predators such as hawks and eagles.