Species information Scientific name: Rallina eurizonoides sepiariaJapanese name: オオクイナChinese name: 灰腳秧雞（琉球亞種）English name: Slaty-legged crackOrigin: This subspecies is found on Okinawajima, Miyakojima, and the Yaeyama Islands. Ecology and description The Ryukyu subspecies of the slaty-legged crack is distributed across several islands in Okinawa, with Miyakojima and Ishigaki being the areas where it’s more commonly observed. Adult… Continue reading Slaty-legged Crack
Tag: Miyakojima
Indian peafowl
Species information Scientific name: Pavo cristatusJapanese name: インドクジャクChinese name: 孔雀、印度孔雀English name: Indian peafowlOrigin: South Asia Ecology and description The peafowl in Okinawa Prefecture are an invasive species that became feral after escaping from captivity, where they were kept for ornamental purposes. Established populations currently exist on Miyakojima, Irabujima, Ishigaki, Kohamajima, Aragusuku, Yonaguni and Kuroshima, but… Continue reading Indian peafowl
Ruddy Kingfisher
Species information Scientific name: Halcyon coromanda bangsiJapanese name: リュウキュウアカショウビンChinese name: 琉球赤翡翠English name: Ruddy kigfisherOrigin: Summer visitor to the Ryukyu Islands Ecology and description Ruddy kigfisher in Ryukyu Islands refers to the subspecies Halcyon coromanda bangsi of the Ruddy kingfisher. It winters in the Philippines and breeds in the Ryukyu Islands during summer. Compared to the… Continue reading Ruddy Kingfisher
Ryukyu Flying Fox
Species information Scientific name: Pteropus dasymallusJapanese name: クビワオオコウモリChinese name: 琉球狐蝠English name: Ryukyu flying fox / Ryukyu fruit batOrigin: Ryukyu Islands and Taiwan Ecology and description The Ryukyu flying fox is divided into several subspecies across the Ryukyu Islands and Taiwan. The Okinawa flying fox is relatively common on Okinawa Island. These bats enjoy a variety… Continue reading Ryukyu Flying Fox
Polynesian Rat
Species information Scientific name: Rattus exulansJapanese name: ナンヨウネズミChinese name: 緬甸小鼠、波里尼西亞鼠English name: Polynesian ratOrigin: Southeast Asia Ecology and description Although Polynesian rat originally comes from Southeast Asia, it has invaded many places, including Miyakojima in Japan. The routes of invasion are unclear. Polynesian rat is good at climbing trees and can often be seen in the… Continue reading Polynesian Rat
Asian Emerald Dove
Species information Scientific name: Chalcophaps indicaJapanese name: キンバトChinese name: 翠翼鳩English name: Asian emerald doveOrigin: South Asia, Southeast Asia, northern Australia, Ryukyu Islands (Miyakojima, Ishigaki, Iriomote, Hatomajima, Yonaguni) Ecology and description The Asian emerald dove is about 25cm long. Males have white feathers from the forehead to above the eye, while females have gray ones. In… Continue reading Asian Emerald Dove
Ryukyu Scops Owl
Species information Scientific name: Otus elegans elegansJapanese name: リュウキュウコノハズクChinese name: 琉球角鴞、優雅角鴞琉球亞種English name: Ryukyu scops owlOrigin: Ryukyu Islands Ecology and description The Elegant scops owl (Otus elegans) consists of 4 subspecies: Okinawa scops owl is the most common owl in Okinawa, with a body length of about 20cm. The main difference from the Ryukyu subspecies of… Continue reading Ryukyu Scops Owl