July 2007. Michigan, USA

Effects of landscape and ecosystem properties and processes on plant species occurrence, diversity, and evolution; application of landscape ecology to conservation, restoration, and management of terrestrial ecosystems; ecology and management of wetlands and riparian forest ecosystems: ecology, biology, and evolution of woody plants of temperate zones in Japan and North America, biological and cultural diversity, linkage between human and nature, sustainability of environment and societies. [Fields of Study: Conservation Biology, Forest Ecology, Biogeography]

Associate professor, Graduate School of Human Sciences, Osaka University, April 2024 – Present.

Associate professor, Certificate Programme on Nature Conservation, University of Tsukuba, April 2014 – March 2024.

Assistant professor, Tomakomai Experimental Forest, Hokkaido University, April 2013 – March 2014.

Post-doctoral research fellow of the Monitaling-Site-1000 Project, May 2012 – March 2013.

Post-doctoral Fellow. Research fellow of the Global COE Program, Yokohama National University, April 2010 – March 2012.

Post-doctoral Fellow. Research fellow of the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) for young scientists. Department of Biological Sciences, Tokyo Metropolitan University, April 2007 – March 2010.

Visiting Lecturer. Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology. "Restoration Ecology" October 2008 –February 2012.

Government Officer. Forest Technician. Forestry Agency of Japan, April 1999–March 2003.

Saeki, I. and A.S. Hirao. 2025. Conservation genetics of the threatened wetland plant Eriocaulon nudicuspe: application of GRAS-Di sequencing technology and implications for restoration. Conservation Genetics. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10592-025-01706-1

Saeki, I., S. Hioki, W. A. Azuma, N. Osada, S. Niwa, A. T. Ota, and H. Ishii. 2024. Legacy over a thousand years: Canopy soil of old-growth forest fosters rich and unique invertebrate diversity that is slow to recover from human disturbance. Biological Conservation 292: 110520. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocon.2024.110520.

Press release (English):

https://www.tsukuba.ac.jp/en/research-news/20240325140000.html
Press release (Japanese)

https://www.tsukuba.ac.jp/journal/biology-environment/20240325140000.html

Inomata, T., and I. Saeki. 2024. The elevational distribution of Fagus crenata regeneration at low elevations in the Shirakami Mountains, a World Natural Heritage site in Japan. Journal of Forest Research 29(3), 214–220. https://doi.org/10.1080/13416979.2023.2294510

Niwa, S., N. Osada, and I. Saeki. 2023. Young climbers successfully avoid predators: survival behavioural strategy of juveniles of the land snail Ezohelix gainesi. Biological Journal of the Linnean Society 138(1): 27-36. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13157-022-01639-2

Saeki, I. and Y. Li. 2022. Restoration contributes to maintain ecosystem services and bio-cultural linkages between wetlands and local communities: a case from a botanical diversity hotspot in Japan. Wetlands Article No. 117.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s13157-022-01639-2

Komatsu, W. and I. Saeki. 2022. Feeding habits of the exotic invasive slug Limax maximus: A basis for risk assessment of herbivory on forest and agricultural ecosystems. Management of Biological Invasions 13(4): 644-658. (Rresearch with student)

https://www.reabic.net/journals/mbi/2022/4/MBI_2022_Komatsu_Saeki.pdf

https://doi.org/10.3391/mbi.2022.13.4.04

Katsuda, K., I. Saeki, K. Shoyama, and T. Kamijo. 2022. Local perception of ecosystem services provided by symbolic wild cherry blossoms: Toward community-based management of traditional forest landscapes in Japan. Ecosystems and People 18(1): 275-288. (Research with student)
https://doi.org/10.1080/26395916.2022.2065359
Press release (English):

https://www.tsukuba.ac.jp/en/research-news/20220520140000.html
Press release (Japanese):

https://www.tsukuba.ac.jp/journal/biology-environment/20220520140000.html

Saeki, I., A.S. Hirao, and T. Kenta. 2022. Genetic variation of a relict maple Acer miyabei: Uncovering its history of disjunct occurrence and the role of mountain refugia in shaping genetic diversity. American Journal of Botany 109(2): 309-321. https://doi.org/10.1002/ajb2.1803
Selected as Highlighted Article:
https://bsapubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/ajb2.1823
Press release (English):
https://www.tsukuba.ac.jp/en/research-news/20211206140000.html
Press release (Japanese):
https://www.tsukuba.ac.jp/journal/biology-environment/20211206140000.html

Iwasawa, H., M. U. Saito, and I. Saeki. 2021. Effects of urbanization on medium-sized and large mammals in the lowland area around Mt. Tsukuba. Japanese Journal of Conservation Ecology 26(2): 1-13. (Research with student; in Japanese with English summary)
https://doi.org/10.18960/hozen.2040

Katsuda, K., I. Saeki, and T. Kamijo. 2020. Regeneration patterns of Cerasus leveilleana (Koehne) H. Ohba and C. jamasakura (Siebold ex Koidz.) H. Ohba in Satoyama forests of Sakuragawa City, Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan. Journal of the Japanese Society of Revegetation Technology 46(1): 27-32 (Research with student; in Japanese with English summary)
https://doi.org/10.7211/jjsrt.46.27

Ohta, T. and I. Saeki. 2020. Comparisons of calcium sources between arboreal and ground-dwelling land snails: implication from strontium isotope analyses. Journal of Zoology 311: 137-144. https://doi.org/10.1111/jzo.12767

Saeki, I., S. Niwa, N. Osada, W. Azuma, and T. Hiura. 2020. Contrasting effects of urbanization on arboreal and ground-dwelling land snails: Role of trophic interactions and habitat fragmentation. Urban Ecosystems 23: 603–614 https://doi.org/10.1007/s11252-020-00930-6

Saeki, I., A.S. Hirao, T. Kenta, T. Nagamitsu, and T. Hiura. 2018. Landscape genetics of a threatened maple, Acer miyabei: Implications for restoring riparian forest connectivity.
Biological Conservation 220: 299-307. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocon.2018.01.018
Press release (English): https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/02/180228103249.htm
Press release (Japanese): https://www.hokudai.ac.jp/news/180302_pr.pdfl

Saeki, I., S. Niwa, N. Osada, F. Hyodo, T. Ohta, Y. Oishi, and T. Hiura. 2017. Adaptive significance of arboreality: field evidence from a tree-climbing land snail. Animal Behaviour 127: 53-66. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anbehav.2017.02.022
Press release (English): https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/03/170331120239.htm
Press release (Japanese): https://www.hokudai.ac.jp/news/180302_pr.pdf

Saeki, I., F. Koike, and N. Murakami. 2015. Comparative phylogeography of wetland plants in central Honshu, Japan: Evolutionary legacy of ancient refugia. Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society 179: 78-94. https://doi.org/10.1111/boj.12301

Saeki, I., A. Kitazawa, A. Abe, K. Minemoto and F. Koike. 2014. Phylogeography of a rare orchid, Vexillabium yakushimense: Comparison of populations in central Honshu and the Nansei Island chain, Japan. Plant Systematics and Evolution 300: 1-12. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00606-013-0854-2

Saeki, I., S. Iida, F. Koike, Y. Kobayashi and K. Hiratsuka. 2012. Chloroplast DNA phylogeography of Sanguisorba officinalis: an indicator of the Satoyama landscape. Journal of the Japanese Society of Revegetation Technology 38(1): 115-120 (in Japanese with English sumamry) https://doi.org/10.7211/jjsrt.38.115

Saeki, I., C. W. Dick, B. V. Barnes, and N. Murakami. 2011. Comparative phylogeography of red maple (Acer rubrum L.) and silver maple (A. saccharinum L.): impacts of habitat specialization, hybridization and glacial history. Journal of Biogeography 38: 992-1005. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2699.2010.02462.x

Osanai, A., A. Kameyama, and I. Saeki. 2010. Effects of Water Level and Competing Species on Growth and Reproduction of Penthorum chinense: Basis for Habitat Restoration. Wetland Research 1: 33-42 (in Japanese with English Summary) https://doi.org/10.24785/wetlandresearch.WR001004

Saeki, I. 2010. Juvenile sprouting ability of the endangered maple, Acer pycnanthum. Landscape and Ecological Engineering 6: 1-9. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11355-009-0068-5

Saeki, I. and N. Murakami. 2009. Chloroplast DNA phylogeography of the endangered maple, Acer pycnanthum: the spatial configuration of wetlands shapes genetic diversity. Diversity and Distributions 15: 917-927.  https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1472-4642.2009.00609.x

Saeki, I. 2008. Sexual reproductive biology of the endangered Japanese red maple (Acer pycnanthum). Ecological Research 23: 719-727. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11284-007-0431-7

Saeki, I. 2007. Effects of tree cutting and mowing on plant species composition and diversity of the wetland ecosystems dominated by the endangered maple, Acer pycnanthum. Forest Ecology and Management 242:733–746. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foreco.2007.02.009

Saeki, I. 2005. Ecological occurrence of the endangered Japanese red maple, Acer pycnanthum: base line for ecosystem conservation. Landscape and Ecological Engineering 1:135-147. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11355-005-0015-z

Saeki, I. 2005. Application of aerial survey for detecting a rare maple species and endangered wetland ecosystems. Forest Ecology and Management 216:283-294. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foreco.2005.05.040

Barnes, B.V., I. Saeki, and A. Kitazawa. 2004. Occurrence and landscape ecology of a rare disjunct maple species, Acer pycnanthum, and comparison with Acer rubrum. Environmental Reviews 12:163-196. https://doi.org/10.1139/a04-007

<Primer Note / Short Communications / Study Notes>
Yamanaka, M., N. Hikida, R. Utiyama, and I. Saeki. 2022. Discovery of a whirligig Beetle, Gyrinus japonicus (Coleoptera, Gyrinidae), at an Agricultural Pond in Ishioka City, Ibaraki, Central Japan. Bulletin of Ibaraki Nature Museum 25: 13-15. (Research with student; In Japanese.) PDF

Niwa, S. and I. Saeki. 2020. First record of Carabus insulicola in Tomakomai, Hokkaido, and identification of source population by DNA analysis. Edaphologia 106: 19-23. 【Short Communication】(In Japanese with English summary.) https://doi.org/10.20695/edaphologia.106.0_19

Li, Y. and I. Saeki. 2018. Values of seepage wetlands: relationship between wetlands and local communities in Iwayado, Nakatsugawa-city, Japan. Wetland Research 8: 81-97. 【Study Notes】(Reserach with student; In Japanese with English summary.) https://doi.org/10.24785/wetlandresearch.WR008010

Saeki, I., S. Niwa, and N. Osada. 2017. Predation of a rare arboreal land snail (Euhadra brandtii sapporo) by introduced common raccoon (Procyon lotor). Venus 75(104): 83-87.【Short Notes】 https://doi.org/10.18941/venus.75.1-4_83

Saeki, I., A. S. Hirao, and T. Kenta. 2015. Development and evaluation of microsatellite markers for Acer miyabei (Sapindaceae), a threatened maple species in East Asia. Applications in Plant Sciences 3(6): 1500020【Primer Note】 https://doi.org/10.3732/apps.1500020

<Review / Opinion>
Saeki, I. 2015. Conservation biology at field research stations: five potential roles in forest ecosystem management. Biodiversity 16: 42-46. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/14888386.2015.1008573

Saeki, I., M. Yokogawa, N. Sashimura, K. Ashizawa, M. Ohtani, M. Kawano, K. Akashi, and R. Furumoto. 2013. Endangered ecosystems: an approach beyond conservation of species. Japanese Journal of Conservation Ecology 18: 187-201. (in Japanese with English summary.) https://doi.org/10.18960/hozen.18.2_187

Saeki, I. 2011. Acer pycnanthum. Curtis's Botanical Magazine 28: 141-153. ( Invited Arictle) https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-8748.2011.01738.x

Saeki, I. 2006. Natural history of Japanese red maple (Acer pycnanthum K. Koch): Review. Natural History Reports of Inadani 7: 83-92. https://doi.org/10.20807/icmnhr.7.0_83

Okada, I. 1998. Restoration and management of coppices in Japan. Ecological Restoration North America 17 (1&2): 31-38. https://www.jstor.org/stable/43436546

Saeki, I. and Li, Y. 2025. A rapid decline of wetlands promotes the loss of bio-cultural linkages between plants and people: a case from a botanical diversity hotspot in Japan. International Congress for Conservation Biology (ICCB). (Poster) Brisbane, Australia.

Saeki, I., Hioki, S., Azuma, AW. Osada, N., Niwa, S., Ota, TA., Ishii, H. 2025. Legacy over a thousand years: Canopy soil of old-growth forest fosters rich and unique invertebrate diversity. International Congress for Conservation Biology (ICCB). (Oral; Speed Talks) Brisbane, Australia.

Higashi, Y. and I. Saeki. 2022. Taxonomic and functional diversity of woody plants in urban forests: a case study in Tsukuba Science City, Japan. The 12th Conference of the International Consortium of Landscape and Ecological Engineering (ICLEE). (Oral) Online.

Saeki, S., S. Niwa, N. Osada, W. Azuma, and T. Hiura. 2019. Contrasting occurrences of arboreal and ground-dwelling land snails along an urbanization gradient: the role of predation and fragmentation. 29th International Congress for Conservation biology. (Oral: Speed Talks) Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Saeki, I., N. Namba, and W. Mukaimine. 2018. Terrestrial and freshwater mollusks on the University of Tsukuba Campus. Proceedings of the 17th World Lake Conference. (Poster) Kasumigaura, Ibaraki, Japan.

Saeki, I., A.S. Hirao, T. Kenta, T. Nagamitsu and T. Hiura. 2018. Landscape genetics of a threatened maple, Acer miyabei: Implications for conservating riparian forest connectivity. The 8th EAFES (East Asian Federation of Ecological Societies) International Congress." (Poster) Nagoya, Japan.

Li, Y. and I. Saeki. 2017. Seepage wetlands as local heritage: Relationship between wetlands and local communities in Iwayado, Nakatsugawa-city, Japan. International Symposium "Local Communities and Nature Conservation." (Poster) Tokyo, Japan.
(Student's Poster Award)

Saeki, I., A. Kitazawa, A. Abe, K. Minemoto, and F. Koike. 2013. Phylogeography of a rare orchid, Vexillabium yakushimense: Comparison of populations in central Honshu and the Nansei islands, Japan. Asia Pacific Orchid Conference. (Oral) Okinawa, Japan.

Saeki, I., F. Koike, and N. Murakami. 2011. Identification of hotspots of genetic diversity: Overlaying multiple phylogeographic information of endangered wetland plants in central Honshu, Island, Japan. International Congress for Conservation Biology (Oral) Auckland, New Zealand.

Saeki, I. 2009. Application of the landscape ecosystem approach for conservation of the endangered Japanese red maple and the ecosystems that support it. First ASIAHORCs Joint Symposium (Postor) Nagoya, Japan.

Saeki, I., N. Murakami, and B. V. Barnes. 2008. Comparative phylogeography of American and Japanese red maples based on chloroplast and nuclear ribosomal DNA . 93th annual meeting of the Ecological Society of America. (Postor) Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA.

Saeki, I. 2006. Effects of tree cutting and mowing on plant species composition and diversity of the rare maple-dominated wetlands. International conference on ecological restoration in East Asia. (Oral) Osaka, Japan

Saeki, I. 2006. Plant species composition and diversity of the wetland ecosystems dominated by the endangered Japanese red maple. International symposium on wetland restoration 2006. (Poster) Otsu, Shiga, Japan.

Saeki, I., and B.V. Barnes. 2004. Occurrence and landscape ecology of a rare disjunct maple species, Acer pycnanthum. IUFRO International Workshop, Landscape Ecology 2004, Conservation and Management of Fragmented Forest Landscapes. (Oral) Tsukuba, Ibarak, Japan

Saeki, I, and B.V. Barnes. 2004. Occurrence and landscape ecology of a rare disjunct maple species: Acer pycnanthum. 89th annual meeting of the Ecological Society of America. (Oral) Portland, Oregon, USA

Grants-in-Aid for Research Activity scientific research C. Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS). 4,550,000 yen, 2025-2028.

Pro Natura Foundation Japan. 2,000,000 yen, 2023-2025.

Grants-in-Aid for Research Activity scientific research C. Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS). 4,420,000 yen, 2020-2024.

The Asahi Glass Foundation. 3,600,000 yen, 2020-2025.

Grants-in-Aid for Research Activity scientific research C. Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS). 4,940,000 yen, 2017-2020.

Mitsui Environmental Fund. 6,000,000 yen, 2014-2017.

Fujiwara Natural History Fund. 400,000 yen, 2014-2015.

Grant-in-Aid for Research Activity start-up. Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS). 2,730,000 yen, 2013–2015.

Nacs-J Pro Natura Fund. 1,300,000 yen, 2011–2012.

Post-doctoral Research Fellowship. Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) for young scientists, 2007–2010.

Interdisciplinary Research Institute of Environmental Sciences Fund, 300,000 yen, 2006–2007.

The Japan Science Society Fund, 510,000 yen, 2005–2006.

Sumitomo Foundation Fund, 800,000 yen, 2003–2004.

Ikuyo SAEKI
　Laboratory of Environment Coexistence, Kyosei Studies,
　Graduate School of Human Sciences, University of Osaka
　Address: 1-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
　Email: saeki.hus ++ osaka-u.ac.jp (please change ++ to at mark)

Ikuyo Saeki Profile in Japanese