Species information
Scientific name: Mauremys mutica kami
Japanese name: ヤエヤマイシガメ
Chinese name: 八重山柴棺龜、黃喉擬水龜
English name: Yaeyama yellow pond turtle
Origin: Ishigaki, Iriomote, Yonaguni
Ecology and description
Yaeyama yellow pond turtle is a subspecies of the yellow pond turtle (Mauremys mutica), found on Ishigaki, Iriomote, and Yonaguni. As of 2018, the yellow pond turtle was classified as CR (Critically Endangered) by the IUCN and requires protection.
Yaeyama yellow pond turtle is designated as a rare wild species of Okinawa Prefecture, yet it is considered a non-native species in the Okinawa Islands, the Miyako Islands, and the Daito Islands. On Miyakojima, Yaeyama yellow pond turtle could potentially prey on the local rare species Miyako freshwater crab (Geothelphusa miyakoensis).
The nominotypical subspecies of the yellow pond turtle are distributed in regions such as northern Vietnam, southern China, and Taiwan, with some non-native populations on certain Okinawan islands, likely originating from escaped captive individuals.
References:
- Yaeyama yellow pond turtle potentially preying on Miyako freshwater crab (ecoisland)
- Non-native distribution of Yaeyama yellow pond turtle (Japan invasive species database)
- Non-native distribution of the nominotypical subspecies of the yellow pond turtle (Japan invasive species database)
Field photographs taken during our tours, with observation dates
