Species information
Scientific name: Diplothrix legata
Japanese name: ケナガネズミ
Chinese name: 琉球長毛鼠
English name: Ryukyu long-furred rat
Origin: Endemic to northern Okinawajima, Tokunoshima, and Amami Oshima
Ecology and description
The Ryukyu long-furred rat is the only species in the genus Diplothrix, and it is one of the most representative animals of the central Ryukyu Islands. It is designated as a Japanese National Natural Monument, a Domestic Endangered Species, and is also on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. The Ryukyu long-furred rat is the largest rodent in Japan. Juveniles have gray fur, while adults have brown fur. They are about 30 cm in body length, with a tail that is also about 30 cm long, of which approximately 1/3 is white. They are almost entirely arboreal. These rats feed on plant seeds and new leaves, such as seeds of pine trees and beech family trees, and occasionally consume insects. Their mating season is in the fall.
The Ryukyu long-furred rat primarily moves through trees, but when major roads cut through the forest, they are forced to ground level to cross, leading to roadkill incidents. Prefectural Route 2 in Kunigami is a hotspot for such occurrences.
Field photographs taken during our tours, with observation dates
During our 【Night Birding】 tour, there is a chance to see this species. We have observed Ryukyu long-furred rats eating mulberries in April and pine cones in August. Observation chances increase during their mating season from September to October.
