TOYOTA MOTORS CORPORATION (JAPAN) is planning to build a new test course not far from its world headquarter in Aichi prefecture in Japan.
According to the newspaper and other sources, total area is 660ha includes development of 410ha such as forest clearings and gully fillings. Aichi prefecture government corporate division handles purchase and development of the land and TOYOTA will purchase it from Aichi prefecture government.
Landscape of proposed area is mainly low mountains includes tree plantations and rice fields. Even though it is not original natural habitats, it currently supports great diversity of wildlife includes several endangered species. Recent breeding bird survey has revealed nesting activity of raptors such as Oriental Honey Buzzard, Grey-faced Buzzard and Northern Goshawk.
TOYOTA has recently announced to reduce the development area from 410ha to 280ha after the breeding bird survey, however still it will impact greatly to the regional wildlife. Several conservation organizations including us have been requesting TOYOTA to review their plan further to minimize the development or look for alternative locations.
We would like more people to know this massive development plan and please email me if you would like to know more information about this.