Image (IMAGE) University of Tsukuba Caption Researchers at the University of Tsukuba Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute used historical maps to reveal that the Sugadaira Kogen area in Nagao Prefecture was once covered in natural grasslands, but forest succession linked to the area’s designation as a National Park has counterintuitively accelerated the loss of these grassland biomes. The results of their study suggest that active intervention in these parklands may be necessary to preserve areas of primeval nature. Credit University of Tsukuba Usage Restrictions Unauthorized use is prohibited License Original content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.