Species information Scientific name: Odorrana splendidaJapanese name: アマミイシカワガエルChinese name: 奄美石川蛙、大島臭蛙English name: Amami ishikawa frogOrigin: Endemic to Amami Oshima Ecology and description The Amami ishikawa’s frog was originally considered conspecific with the Okinawa ishikawa’s frog (Odorrana ishikawae). However, morphological and genetic studies in 2011 confirmed significant genetic differentiation in the Amami Oshima population, leading to its… Continue reading Amami Ishikawa Frog
Tag: Amamioshima endemic
Otton Frog
Babina subaspera Japanese Name: オットンガエルChinese Name: 隆背拇棘蛙、奧頓蛙English Name: Otton FrogOrigin: Amami Oshima, Kakeromajima The Japanese name “Otton” comes from the Amami dialect, meaning “gigantic.” Male Otton Frogs can grow up to 12 cm in length, making them the largest native frog species in Japan. This species is closely related to Babina holsti, the Holst’s Frog,… Continue reading Otton Frog
Amami Jay
Garrulus lidthi Japanese Name: ルリカケスChinese Name: 琉球松鴉English Name: Amami JayOrigin: Amami Oshima, Kakeromajima, Ukejima The Amami Jay, with its striking blue and reddish-brown plumage, is a member of the crow family and a nationally designated natural monument of Japan. It is also the prefectural bird of Kagoshima. In the past, overhunting led to a decline… Continue reading Amami Jay