Exploring the Endemic Species of the Ryukyu Islands
The Ryukyu Island Arc is divided into North, Central, and South Ryukyu by the Kerama Gap and Tokara Strait. Throughout the ice ages, these islands were repeatedly connected to and separated from the mainland, resulting in a unique biodiversity. The mountainous Yanbaru region in northern Okinawa, Iriomote Island, Tokunoshima, and Amami Oshima have all been collectively designated as UNESCO World Natural Heritage sites.
Wanyu
Certified Eco-Guide in Yanbaru
From Taiwan
B.A. in Biology with a minor in Forestry from National Taiwan University
M.S. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from National Taiwan University
Exchange student at the University of the Ryukyus
Moved to Kunigami Village, Okinawa over 10 years ago, inspired by a love for wildlife
Tours offered in Chinese, English, and Japanese
Mammals
The four World Natural Heritage islands are home to around 21 species of mammals, including 13 endemic species.
Birds
About 300 bird species can be observed on the four World Heritage islands, including 6 endemic species, 3 of which are found in Yanbaru.
Reptiles
Approximately 36 species of land reptiles, including 23 endemic species, can be found across the four islands.
Amphibians
Around 21 amphibian species, including 18 endemics, inhabit the four World Natural Heritage islands.
Insects
The islands boast an incredible diversity of insects, with around 6,000 species, including 1,600 endemics.
Other Animals
There are 47 species of terrestrial crustaceans, including 15 endemics. This section also includes other invertebrates.
Plants
Roughly 2,000 species of vascular plants, including 200 endemics, grow across the four World Natural Heritage islands.
Invasive Species
Explore the invasive animals and plants on the four World Heritage islands, as designated by Japan’s Specific Invasive Species list.
Yanbaru nature guide - Wanyu
119-6 Hentona, Kunigami
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非常好的體驗，在導賞期間能觀察到很多山原的動植物，我們非常幸運，在行程中遇上一些沖繩的特有物種，亦瞭解到沖繩的生態，獲益良多，非常推薦給喜愛大自然及動植物的人！
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非常推薦~~
我本身是賞鳥人，雖然對於鳥類以外的生物不太了解，不過在聽過秋桑介紹植物和昆蟲也能感覺得出相當專業，非常歡迎台灣人找秋桑擔任生態導遊帶你認識這邊的動植物喔!! -
導覽員十分有趣
提供有趣的國頭生態導覽
也能了解沖繩的生態跟風土民情 -
專業夜觀導遊，順利拍到石川蛙了，超開心
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導覽非常的棒 解說清晰 必須推薦
Note: The provided address is a rented space in Kunigami Village. Please contact me in advance to arrange your visit—unscheduled drop-ins might miss me!
Explore Yanbaru and the World Heritage Islands