Species information
Scientific name: Fejervarya kawamurai
Japanese name: ヌマガエル
Chinese name: 川村氏澤蛙、川村陸蛙
English name: Kawamura’s rice field frog
Origin: Western Honshu (central region and westward), Shikoku, Kyushu, and some nearby islands in Japan; several islands of the Amami Islands (except Yoronjima) and Okinawa Islands (some islands); parts of China
Ecology and description
Kawamura’s rice field frog is a Fejervarya species widely distributed in western Japan, the Ryukyu Islands, and parts of China. Males measure about 3–4 cm in length, while females are about 4–5 cm. They are typically found in lowland habitats such as rice paddies. On Okinawajima, populations are declining due to predation by the introduced Indian mongoose, abandonment of rice paddies, and pesticide use. The specific name honors Dr. Toshijiro Kawamura, Professor Emeritus at Hiroshima University.
Field photographs taken during our tours, with observation dates
This species inhabits lowland areas and paddy fields; therefore, it is rarely encountered during forest-based observation tours. However, there are opportunities to spot them in the lowlands of Kunigami Village.
