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2026/6/25Two Chinese Men Arrested for Illegally Capturing 100-200 land hermit crabssPoachingAmami Oshima
Two Chinese men were arrested for attempting to capture 100-200 land hermit crabss without permission on a beach in Amami City, Kagoshima Prefecture. The men, aged 28 and 33, claimed they were unaware of the prohibition. A similar incident occurred last year, and police are investigating possible connections. The crabs are a national natural monument, requiring government permission for capture.
Source：FNNプライムオンライン ↗｜奄美新聞 ↗｜ｄメニューニュース ↗｜okinawatimes.co.jp ↗｜Yahoo!ニュース ↗
2026/6/24Possession of Approximately 13 kg of Land Hermit Crabs - Amami Shimbun
On June 24, Amami Police arrested two Chinese nationals for possessing 12.8 kg of land hermit crabs, a national natural monument, without permission. Most of the seized crabs are believed to be Blueberry Hermit Crabs, likely intended for illegal sale. The suspects were found in a rental car with bags full of crabs after a local report. The crabs have been moved to a protection facility and will be kept as evidence until a verdict is reached. The Amami mayor plans to strengthen preventive measures.
Source：amamishimbun.co.jp ↗
2026/2/3Scratching sounds from suitcase reveal large number of land hermit crabs... Poaching of rare species by Chinese group on Amami OshimaPoachingAmami Oshima
Poaching of rare species is on the rise in the Ryukyu Islands. Since last spring, a Chinese group was arrested on Amami Oshima for illegally capturing over 5,000 land hermit crabs in about a week. In Okinawa, foreign nationals were caught capturing endangered Okinawa black-breasted leaf turtles. These species are highly valued in overseas markets, prompting experts to call for stricter penalties. In May, suspicious suitcases containing about 5,200 land hermit crabs were found at a hotel on Amami Oshima, leading to the arrest of three Chinese nationals. Land hermit crabs are designated as national natural monuments and their export is prohibited.
2025/5/29Amami Hermit Crab Capture Incident: Three Chinese Nationals Caught for 'Sales Purpose' Worth Over 100 Million Yen? Hotel and Conservation Group Receive Commendation in Kagoshima
Three Chinese nationals were fined 300,000 yen for illegally capturing 5,200 land hermit crabs, a national natural monument, on Amami Oshima. They admitted to capturing them for sale, potentially worth over 100 million yen. On May 29, commendations were given to the hotel and conservation groups that reported the incident. The crabs will be released back to five coastal areas where they were captured.
Source：TBS NEWS DIG ↗｜南海日日新聞 ↗
2025/5/235,200 National Natural Monument Land Hermit Crabs 'Captured Over a Week on Amami Oshima'... Three Chinese Nationals Suspected of Unauthorized Possession
Three Chinese nationals were arrested for possessing approximately 5,200 land hermit crabs, a national natural monument, without permission. They reportedly captured the crabs over a week on Amami Oshima, possibly for resale. The crabs, weighing 160 kg, were brought to Amami by air from Kansai International Airport in late April. About 130 crabs have died, and the remaining are stored in tanks. Authorities are considering whether to return them to the wild.
Source：読売新聞 ↗
2019/5/8Japanese Man Sentenced to One Year in Prison for Smuggling Turtles in Hong KongPoachingOkinawa Island (other)
In October 2018, Naoki Hiraguchi, a 43-year-old Japanese man, was caught smuggling 60 Okinawa black-breasted leaf turtles, a Japanese natural monument, into Hong Kong. He was sentenced to one year in prison by a Hong Kong court for violating endangered species protection laws. The defense claimed it was for a friend's pet purpose, but the judge deemed it malicious with commercial intent. The turtles, native to Okinawa Island, Kumejima, and Tokashikijima, are rare and endangered, protected under the Washington Convention since 2013. One turtle died naturally during protection in Hong Kong, but 59 were returned to Japan in March.
Source：香港でのビジネス進出や会社運営サポートは香港BS ↗
202612 articles
9/22Successful Rescue Relay: Injured Okinawa Woodpecker Released After AccidentRoadkillYambaru
An Okinawa woodpecker injured in a traffic accident was released back into the wild in Kunigami. The male adult bird was found in April on a prefectural road in Kunigami's Yasuda area. After treatment and rehabilitation, it has successfully recovered and returned to nature.
Source：TBS NEWS DIG ↗｜NHKニュース ↗｜FNNプライムオンライン ↗｜琉球新報デジタル ↗｜QAB 琉球朝日放送 ↗｜Yahoo!ニュース ↗
2026/7/16Notice on the Start of Rehabilitation for Rescued Okinawa Woodpecker at Neo Park Okinawa (Second Case)
On April 20, 2026, an Okinawa woodpecker injured in a traffic accident in Kunigami was rescued and treated by the NPO Animal Hospital Okinawa. The bird is recovering well and began rehabilitation at Neo Park Okinawa on July 11. This is the second case following one in September 2026. Due to missing tail feathers, flight training will continue in a larger cage to prepare for eventual release back into the wild.
9/11Three Chinese Men Fined for Capturing land hermit crabss, Okinawa Summary CourtPoachingOkinawa Island (other)
Three Chinese men in their 20s were fined 400,000 yen each by the Okinawa Summary Court for illegally capturing and moving around 6,000 land hermit crabss, a national natural monument, in Okinawa from June to July. They were arrested in August for capturing 4,163 crabs in June and 2,207 in July without permission, intending to sell them. The Naha District Public Prosecutors Office filed a summary indictment in September.
Source：琉球新報デジタル ↗｜TBS NEWS DIG ↗｜Yahoo!ニュース ↗
2026/8/11[Overharvesting] Targeted Natural Monument: Three Chinese Nationals Repeatedly Poaching 'land hermit crabs', Re-arrested. Illegal Capture Totals 2 Cases, 6370 Crabs... How Can We Detect Poaching?
In Okinawa, three Chinese nationals have been re-arrested for allegedly repeatedly poaching the land hermit crabs, a designated natural monument. They are accused of illegally capturing a total of 6,370 crabs in two incidents. The rarity of the land hermit crabs makes it a target for poaching. This incident is part of a series of poaching activities, and the public is urged to be aware of poaching methods and signs.
7/2468 Okinawa Black-breasted Leaf Turtles Return to Forest After Being Rescued from Chinese Poaching Group in OkinawaPoachingYambaru
In Kunigami, Okinawa, 68 Okinawa black-breasted leaf turtles rescued from a Chinese poaching group last October were returned to the forest on July 23. The turtles were microchipped by the Ministry of the Environment and the Okinawa Turtle Center for future tracking. The Ministry's official, Yoshihiro Takahashi, emphasized creating a community atmosphere that does not tolerate poaching. Despite legal protection, these turtles are in high demand as pets overseas due to their rarity.
Source：琉球新報デジタル ↗｜okinawatimes.co.jp ↗｜Yahoo!ニュース ↗
2025/10/25Four Chinese Nationals Suspected of Poaching in Yambaru Forest and Islands, Smuggling Endangered Turtles Disguised as Biscuits
Four Chinese nationals were arrested for poaching endangered species in Okinawa's Yambaru forest and islands, attempting to smuggle them to Hong Kong. They captured 107 Okinawa black-breasted leaf turtles, 2 Yamashina's ground geckos, and 1 Holst's frog. This is Japan's first case of turtle smuggling discovered through mail inspection. Okinawa Customs has charged three individuals.
Source：産経ニュース ↗
2025/10/24Suspected capture of endangered turtles, over 100 caught in Okinawa, Hong Kong woman and others arrested
On October 24, Okinawa police re-arrested four individuals, including a 32-year-old Hong Kong woman named Lin Su Yi, on suspicion of violating species preservation laws by capturing endangered Okinawa black-breasted leaf turtles. Between September 4 and October 3, they allegedly caught 107 turtles, 2 Yamashina's ground geckos, and 1 Holst's frog in Kunigami and Kumejima. Three of the suspects deny the charges, while one remains silent. Okinawa Customs has charged three of them with customs law violations, which have been accepted by the Naha District Public Prosecutors Office.
Source：Yahoo!ニュース ↗
7/4"Even the small ones were uprooted..." 3869 land hermit crabss Poached, Four Vietnamese Fined 300,000-400,000 Yen in OkinawaPoachingOkinawa Island (other)
By July 3, four Vietnamese nationals were summarily indicted by the Naha District Prosecutor's Office for illegally capturing and transporting 3,869 land hermit crabss, a national natural monument, in Okinawa. The Naha Summary Court fined two men 400,000 yen each and two women 300,000 yen each. The incident was uncovered after a delivery company noticed something unusual and reported it to the police. The Okinawa Prefectural Board of Education urges cooperation to prevent poaching and advises the public to report suspicious activities.
Source：Yahoo!ニュース ↗
6/30Nation's First: Conservation and Breeding Project for Two Rare Amami Birds Completed, Population RecoveredConservation OutcomesAmami OshimaTokunoshima
On June 30, the Ministry of the Environment announced the completion of a conservation project for the Amami Woodcock and the Amami Thrush in the Amami Islands. This marks the first completion among 79 species and 58 plans nationwide. The project, started in 1999, increased the Amami Woodcock population from about 4,000 in 2007 to about 17,000 in 2021. The eradication of invasive species and reduced traffic accidents contributed to the success. Monitoring will continue to track future trends.
Source：毎日新聞 ↗｜奄美新聞 ↗｜asahi.com ↗｜南海日日新聞 ↗｜読売新聞 ↗
6/29Tokunoshima's Ten-Year Management Plan Aims to Eliminate 'Ownerless Cats' to Protect Amami RabbitStray Cats and DogsTokunoshima
To protect Tokunoshima's ecosystem, a management plan targeting cats preying on the Amami rabbit has been developed by the Ministry of the Environment and local authorities. The ten-year plan aims to eliminate 'ownerless cats' by 2035. Originally, Tokunoshima had no carnivorous mammals, but cats were released outdoors to control habu snakes, leading to some becoming feral and threatening the Amami rabbit. The plan includes cat registration, indoor keeping, and banning outdoor feeding.
Source：読売新聞 ↗
6/25Two Chinese Men Arrested for Illegally Capturing 100-200 land hermit crabssPoachingAmami Oshima
Two Chinese men were arrested for attempting to capture 100-200 land hermit crabss without permission on a beach in Amami City, Kagoshima Prefecture. The men, aged 28 and 33, claimed they were unaware of the prohibition. A similar incident occurred last year, and police are investigating possible connections. The crabs are a national natural monument, requiring government permission for capture.
Source：FNNプライムオンライン ↗｜奄美新聞 ↗｜ｄメニューニュース ↗｜okinawatimes.co.jp ↗｜Yahoo!ニュース ↗
2026/6/24Possession of Approximately 13 kg of Land Hermit Crabs - Amami Shimbun
On June 24, Amami Police arrested two Chinese nationals for possessing 12.8 kg of land hermit crabs, a national natural monument, without permission. Most of the seized crabs are believed to be Blueberry Hermit Crabs, likely intended for illegal sale. The suspects were found in a rental car with bags full of crabs after a local report. The crabs have been moved to a protection facility and will be kept as evidence until a verdict is reached. The Amami mayor plans to strengthen preventive measures.
Source：amamishimbun.co.jp ↗
6/18[Okinawa Churashima Foundation] Okinawa Churashima Foundation Comprehensive Research Institute Wins 'Conservation and Cultivation Technology Award'! Liquid Nitrogen Preservation Technique for Endangered Species 'Okinawa Dendrobium' RecognizedResearchConservation OutcomesYambaru
The Okinawa Churashima Foundation Comprehensive Research Institute in Motobu Town, Okinawa, received the 'Conservation and Cultivation Technology Award' from the Japan Association of Botanical Gardens. This marks the institute's third award, recognizing their success in using liquid nitrogen at -196°C to preserve seeds of the endangered Okinawa Dendrobium, proving effective for long-term seed preservation and germination. The Okinawa Dendrobium is a unique wild orchid found only in the natural forests of northern Okinawa Island, threatened by overharvesting and habitat destruction.
Source：okinawatimes.co.jp ↗
4/29New Bird Species Discovered in Japan for the First Time in 45 Years: Tokara Warbler in Tokara IslandsNew SpeciesOther
A new bird species, the Tokara Warbler, has been discovered on Nakano Island in the Tokara Islands, Japan, marking the first such discovery in 45 years. The Yamashina Institute for Ornithology and the Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute identified it as distinct from the Iijima Warbler through DNA analysis and song differences. The Tokara Warbler is primarily found on several islands in the Tokara Islands, but confirmed breeding only occurs on Nakano Island, raising extinction concerns. Habitat degradation due to pine wilt, feral goats, and predation by invasive species necessitates conservation efforts.
Source：ナショナルジオグラフィック日本版 ↗
2/25Total Feral Cat Capture Reaches 772, Amami Rabbit Predation Continues, Conference Held in Amami OshimaStray Cats and DogsAmami Oshima
A conference on feral cat capture was held in Amami Oshima by the Ministry of the Environment. In 2025, capture operations covered about 91% of the island, capturing 45 cats by December, with a total of 772 cats captured. The status of rare wildlife is improving, and the need for new measures was acknowledged. The capture plan began in 2018 to protect ecosystems, and in 2025, operations were conducted in 19 areas. Feral cat numbers decreased, while Amami rabbit and Amami spiny rat numbers increased, but cat predation on Amami rabbits continues.
Source：南海日日新聞 ↗｜asahi.com ↗
2/19Feeding habits and roadkill risks of Ryukyu long-furred rat revealed through direct observation and DNA metabarcoding analysis: Caution advised for coastal drivesResearchOkinawa Island (other)Amami OshimaTokunoshima
A research team from the University of the Ryukyus discovered that the Ryukyu long-furred rat, endemic to Amami Oshima, Tokunoshima, and Okinawa Island, feeds on coastal plants like pandanus fruits on roadsides, facing roadkill risks. The study used direct observation and DNA metabarcoding analysis, revealing for the first time the rat's use of coastal plants and animals as food. Published in a Japanese mammalogy journal, the study suggests removing food from roads to reduce roadkill risks.
Source：u-ryukyu.ac.jp ↗
2/3Scratching sounds from suitcase reveal large number of land hermit crabs... Poaching of rare species by Chinese group on Amami OshimaPoachingAmami Oshima
Poaching of rare species is on the rise in the Ryukyu Islands. Since last spring, a Chinese group was arrested on Amami Oshima for illegally capturing over 5,000 land hermit crabs in about a week. In Okinawa, foreign nationals were caught capturing endangered Okinawa black-breasted leaf turtles. These species are highly valued in overseas markets, prompting experts to call for stricter penalties. In May, suspicious suitcases containing about 5,200 land hermit crabs were found at a hotel on Amami Oshima, leading to the arrest of three Chinese nationals. Land hermit crabs are designated as national natural monuments and their export is prohibited.
2025/5/29Amami Hermit Crab Capture Incident: Three Chinese Nationals Caught for 'Sales Purpose' Worth Over 100 Million Yen? Hotel and Conservation Group Receive Commendation in Kagoshima
Three Chinese nationals were fined 300,000 yen for illegally capturing 5,200 land hermit crabs, a national natural monument, on Amami Oshima. They admitted to capturing them for sale, potentially worth over 100 million yen. On May 29, commendations were given to the hotel and conservation groups that reported the incident. The crabs will be released back to five coastal areas where they were captured.
Source：TBS NEWS DIG ↗｜南海日日新聞 ↗
2025/5/235,200 National Natural Monument Land Hermit Crabs 'Captured Over a Week on Amami Oshima'... Three Chinese Nationals Suspected of Unauthorized Possession
Three Chinese nationals were arrested for possessing approximately 5,200 land hermit crabs, a national natural monument, without permission. They reportedly captured the crabs over a week on Amami Oshima, possibly for resale. The crabs, weighing 160 kg, were brought to Amami by air from Kansai International Airport in late April. About 130 crabs have died, and the remaining are stored in tanks. Authorities are considering whether to return them to the wild.
Source：読売新聞 ↗