(EN)世界自然遺産 – 世界のウチナーンチュ大会

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World Natural Heritage

World Natural Heritage
世界自然遺産

“Amami Oshima, Tokunoshima, Northern Okinawa Island and Iriomote Island” were registered as World Natural Heritage Sites on July 26, 2021.
The Ryukyu Archipelago has a distinct geological background in which the islands were formed through repeated separation and merging with the Eurasia continent. The islands today are recognized as an extremely important site for biodiversity conservation, where internationally rare endemic species such as the “Yanbaru-kuina” (Okinawa rail) and “Iriomote-neko” (Iriomote wild cat) inhabit and breed within the unique biological evolution reflecting the islands’ geological history.

Yanbaru, The Forest of Miracles

Subtropical broadleaf forests are scarce types of forests found in the world and forms the base of Yanbaru’s unique ecosystem. Yanbaru forests are home to endangered species, rare plants and animals, and are known as “the forests of miracles”.

Iriomote Island, the last unexplored region in Japan

Iriomote Island is an island filled with brackish waters with mangrove forests, wetlands located along the coast and rivers, and up in the mountains lay primeval forests that have existed since the ancient times. The region remains largely unexplored with few humans having set foot on the land.

Iriomote Island, the last unexplored region in Japan

Some creatures are unique to a particular island, while others differ slightly depending on the island.
The ecosystem is home to many living organisms.

The Okinawa rail (iriomoteyamaneko) is found only in the Yanbaru region and the Iriomote wildcat is unique to Iriomote Island.
There are also examples of subspecies that are classified according to its region, such as the Okinawa tree lizard (inhabits Amami and various other Okinawan islands) and the Sakishima tree lizard (inhabits various Sakishima islands, excluding Yonaguni Island).

Yanbaru Kuina (Gallirallus okinawae) [A Nationally Recognized Natural Monument]

The Yanbaru Kuina inhabits the Yanbaru region only. It has very short wings which makes it almost flightless.

Yanbaru Tenaga Kogane (Cheirotonus jambar) [A Nationally Recognized Natural Monument]

The Yanbaru Tenaga Kogane only inhabits the Yanbaru region and is characterized by its long forelimbs.

Noguchigera (Sapheopipo noguchii) [A Nationally Recognized Special Natural Monument]

It is Okinawa’s prefectural bird. The Noguchigera is categorized in the woodpecker family and inhabits the Yanbaru region only.

Ryukyu Yamagame (Geoemyda japonica) [A Nationally Recognized Natural Monument]

The Ryukyu Yamagame only inhabits the mainland of Okinawa, Kume Island, and Tokashiki Island.

Iriomote Yamaneko (Prionailurus bengalensis iriomotensis) [A Nationally Recognized Special Natural Monument]

The Iriomote Yamaneko is a wild feline that only inhabits Iriomote Island. It is characterized by its diverse diet compared to other felines.

Photo provided by: Iriomote Wildlife Conservation Center, Ministry of the Environment

Kanmuri Washi (Spilornis cheela perplexus) [A Nationally Recognized Special Natural Monument]

It is categorized in the hawk family. The Kanmuri Washi only inhabits the Yaeyama Islands.

Yaeyama Semaru Hakogame (Cistoclemmys flavomarginata evelynae) [A Nationally Recognized Special Natural Monument]

The Yaeyama Semaru Hakogame inhabits Ishigaki and Iriomote Islands. When it senses danger, it closes the lid of its shell like you would close the lids of a box.

Kishinoue Tokage (Plestiodon kishinouyei) [A Nationally Recognized Special Natural Monument]

It is the largest lizard that inhabits Japan, growing to nearly 40cm in length.
The Kishinoue Tokage inhabits the Miyako and Yaeyama Islands.

Other Nationally Recognized Special Natural Monument

Okinawa-kinobori-tokage
(Japalura polygonata polygonata)
Sakishima-kinobori-tokage
(Japalura polygonata ishigakiensis)
Ryukyu-haguro-tonbo
(Matrona basilaris japonica)
Hontou-akahige
(Erithacus komadori)
Aokana-hebi
(Takydromus smaragdinus)
Konaka-haguro-tonbo
(Euphaea yayeyamana)
Kinbato
(Chalcophaps indica yamashinai)
Konoha-chou
(Kallima inachus)
Shiriken-imori (Cynops ensicauda popei)
Ryukyu-kogera
(Dendrocopos kizuki nigrescens）
Ohanasaki-gaeru
（Odorrana supranarina）
Sakishimanuma-gaeru
（Fejervarya sakishimensis）
Ishigaki-tokage
（Plestiodon stimpsonii）