What is the "Amami rabbit" that lives on Amami Oshima Island? Introducing popular night tours with a high probability of encountering Amami rabbit, its characteristics, and ecology.
Table of Contents
- 1 I want to see it at least once! What is the Amami Oshima Amami rabbit?
- 2 Habitat of the Amami rabbit
- 3 When you can see the Amami rabbit
- 4 Amami Owl Rabbit Conservation Activities
- 5 Characteristics and ecology of the Amami rabbit
- 6 How to see the Amami Owl We recommend that you join a night tour!
- 7 High probability of seeing the Amami rabbit
Recommended night tours in Amami Oshima
- 7.1 Enjoy the subtropical forest! Amami Oshima Jungle Night Tour
- 7.2 Small group night safari tour! 4WD jeep tour to look for the Amami rabbit!
- 7.3 For those who want to take their time to observe Night tours for close-up observation
- 7.4 Guided by a guide specializing in night tours! Amami Owl Course by 4WD Jeep
- 8 Points to keep in mind when observing the Amami rabbit
- 9 summary
I would like to see it at least once!
What is the Amami Oshima Amami rabbit?
Amami Oshima Island is called the "Galapagos of the Orient" and is home to many plants and animals that can only be observed here.
One of the most popular of these is "Ryukyu rabbitThe "The".
There are tours to see the Amami rabbit, and they are so popular that they are the name of souvenirs from Amami Oshima☆.
In this issue, we will introduce the Amami rabbit in detail based on the stories of local guides.
◆For those who want to know about the ecology of the Amami rabbit
Those who want to know more about the protection activities of the Amami rabbit.
◆If you want to know the recommended tour to see the Amami rabbit.
Habitat of the Amami rabbit
Amami Oshima and Tokunoshima.It is found on only two islands.endemic species of Japanese plantIn,endangered speciesThe animals are designated as
About 10 years ago, there were only about 2,000 birds, but as a result of conservation efforts, estimates for FY2021 indicate that there are now 10,000 to 34,000 birds on Amami Oshima and 15,000 to 5,000 on Tokunoshima.
It can be said that Amami Oshima Island offers a better chance to see the Amami rabbit.
When you can see the Amami rabbit
The Amami rabbit can be seen all year round, but the probability of encountering it is particularly high,Fall and winter, when the breeding season begins.It is.
During the breeding season, they are more active and often encounter the nocturnal Amami rabbit at night.
Winter is the best time of year to enjoy the night sky on Amami Oshima, as it is also the season when you can see the most beautiful starry sky!
Click here for Amami Oshima Island Night Tour Popularity Ranking
Amami Owl Rabbit Conservation Activities
The Amami rabbit is an endemic species designated as a national special natural treasure,Symbol of Amami OshimaThe first two are the following.
Find out why they are so special and learn more about the Amami Owl conservation efforts.
The Amami rabbit.
Why was it listed as an endangered species?
The Amami rabbit is,Exists since about 5 to 3 million years agoThe theory is that they had been doing so,Primitive animals that have lived without changing their appearance since ancient times.It is.
The ancestral rabbits that remained on the Eurasian continent were preyed upon by natural enemies and became extinct. Amami Oshima Island has no natural enemy creatures, and the Amami rabbit still lives here today.
However, even on Amami Oshima Island, they were brought in for forest development and habu extermination.Amami rabbit numbers greatly reduced due to mongooseand listed as an endangered species.
In addition, the Amami rabbit is a rare creature because it has only one or two young twice a year (spring and fall), making it difficult to rapidly increase its population.
Amami rabbit conservation activities
As part of the Amami rabbit conservation and propagation project, traps are set to eliminate the natural enemies of the Amami rabbit.
Traffic volume is also regulated to reduce traffic fatalities (road kill).
Current population of the Amami rabbit
As I mentioned a little earlier, environmental conservation activities and extermination of natural enemies have been successful, and the number of birds has increased from 2,000 to here.The number has increased more than 10-fold in 10 years.The following is a list of the most common problems with the "C" in the "C" column.
It has been changed to a less endangered species on the Red List, but now that it has a wide range of habitable areas.traffic accident deathThe number of Amami rabbit that do this is increasing.
In 2023, the Amami rabbit will beAccidents in which people are hit by cars are the largest everThe report said.
When driving on Amami Oshima Island, be careful of the Amami rabbit and drive safely, avoiding excessive speed.
A rental car is essential for Amami Oshima! Early reservation is recommended.
Characteristics and ecology of the Amami rabbit
The Amami rabbit is also called a "living fossil" because it retains the most primitive form of any rabbit in existence.
The Amami rabbit is characterized by its name.Covered with black fur and short limbs and earsIt is.
They live by digging holes and have well-developed claws on their front feet, but they do not rabbit-hop like wild rabbits.
○ Short limbs
○Life expectancy is about 15 years.
○Dens mainly in hardwood forests in mountainous areas
○ Live in small groups
Nocturnal and slow-moving
Prefers to eat red mulberry, Japanese millet, chinquapin, Japanese pampas grass, awn, bark, nuts, etc.
The most important characteristics of the Amami rabbit
tiny ears
Although the word "rabbit" conjures up images of long ears, the Amami rabbit's ears are smaller and shorter.
Creatures with ears that live in hot regions tend to have larger ears for temperature regulation and other reasons.
However, because the Amami rabbit digs holes and lives in them,The ears in the way have degenerated away.It is said.
The Amami Oshima Amami rabbit has changed its form to live more comfortably in this area, with its ears and limbs shortened.
Amami rabbit's cry
Although rabbits may not normally be thought of as purring, the Amami rabbit often does so in order to communicate with its companions.
He has a high-pitched voice.
The Amami rabbit is a master hole digger!
With strong paws and well-developed claws, the Amami rabbit is a master burrower. This burrowing is mainly done byBunking and nestingThis is done for the
To protect themselves and their families from natural enemies, they dig holes to create a comfortable sleeping area, and at night they emerge from their holes to begin their activities and search for food.
They can dig holes without difficulty even on slopes and other rugged terrain, so they have developed muscles and claws different from those of wild rabbits.
Therefore,The Amami rabbit's claws are long and large.is a distinctive feature of this product.
How the Amami rabbit raises its young
Burrow digging by the Amami rabbit plays an important role in addition to nesting.
When the breeding season is over and they raise their young, they dig a separate burrow from their own,Cover the entrance with soil to prevent natural enemies such as hubs from enteringto the "I" in the following paragraphs.
After each feeding, they dig the lid off and nurse when the child emerges, and when the child finishes drinking, they put the lid back on and return to their den.
Approximately every 48 hours, the feeding cycle is aligned with the child's milk digestion time, protecting the child from natural enemies while raising it.
To see the Amami rabbit
Participation in a night tour is recommended!
Amami rabbit (Pentalagus furnessi)nocturnal creatureto be seen, as they are only active at night in theYou need to enter the forest at night.
It is difficult to find the Amami rabbit by yourself in an unfamiliar place, but if you join a night tour of Amami Oshima, an experienced tour guide will lead you to the place where the rabbit lives.
Natural animals are very cautious and cannot be encountered at all times, though,The chance of meeting is significantly higher than searching on your own.It is.
If you would like to see the Amami rabbit, a natural treasure and endangered species, take a night tour of Amami Oshima.
I was really hoping to see an Amami rabbit, but to my surprise, it was more than I had imagined,We saw more than 20 Amami rabbit owls!
The round body is adorable,We also saw a parent and child rabbit.The following is a list of the most common problems with the "C" in the "C" column.
I look up and I'm asleep.Luricaguas and a star-filled sky...! We were also able to see ishikawa frogs, spiny mice, and amami snipe, and enjoy the sounds of many other creatures.
The Santaro Pass, where we toured, only allowed one car to pass every 30 minutes,Reservations requiredSo I am glad I joined the tour.
They say the creatures are most likely to appear during the rainy season. It got a little cold.It is recommended to bring a jacket.It is!
Click here to see the night tour ↓↓.
â™" You have a high probability of seeing the Amami rabbit.
Recommended night tours in Amami Oshima
From here,You can join even on the first day of arrival.Recommended Night ToursHere are four of them.
Please compare plans carefully and find the tour that meets your needs.
Click here for Amami Oshima Island Night Tour Popularity Ranking
It is convenient to book together with a tour!
Car rental in Amami Oshima
Enjoy the subtropical forest!
Amami Oshima Jungle Night Tour
This tour allows you to observe subtropical nocturnal plants and animals native to Amami Oshima. Our guide, who knows Amami Oshima Island very well, will take you through the jungle of Amami Oshima♪
You can pick up and drop off at your hotel and rent the necessary equipment for the tour free of charge, so you can participate in the tour empty-handed.
Another recommendation for this tour is that each person is provided with a flashlight,The ability to observe plants and animals at close range!The sights change with the seasons, so no matter what season you visit, you will probably find something new on this tour.
Small-group night safari tours!
In search of the Amami rabbit by 4WD jeep
The Night Safari Tour by 4WD with the top fully open is a tour to observe the flora and fauna of Amami Oshima Island while driving slowly through the mountainous area at night.
It's almost like a tour where you get in the car and experience the tour,No worries for those who are not confident in their physical strength or are afraid of hubs.The tour is designed to be enjoyed by all.
It will be a special memory of your trip because you will experience it like an adventure action movie.
For those who want to observe carefully☆.
Night tours for close-up observation
During this night tour, you can get out of the car during the tour to take pictures and observe the creatures up close.
You will surely be excited to see the Amami rabbit in person!
Anyone from 0 years old and up is welcome to join!The guide, who knows a lot about living creatures, kept us glued to the story.The result is that the
Guided by a guide specializing in night tours!
Amami Owl Course by 4WD Jeep
This tour is led by an experienced guide with over 15 years of experience.
With a guide specializing in night tours, we set out on an expedition in search of the Amami rabbit!
In addition, since the tour will be conducted in an open jeep without a roof, you will be able to experience the great nature of Amami Oshima in 360°.
We can accommodate from one person,Even solo travelers can participate easily.The place is also attractive.
↓Click here for tours to explore deeper into time.
Points to keep in mind when observing the Amami rabbit
Wild animals are very sensitive compared to captive animals.
If you are so happy to find an Amami rabbit that you make a loud noise or use excessive flash photography, the stress can have a variety of negative effects.
Although you may feel excited to take a tour, follow the guide's instructions and observe quietly.
Also, the Amami rabbit is a nocturnal creature.
Where there are few light sources at night,Danger of being bitten by hubsAlso, refrain from going into the grass or acting selfishly.
Hubs are dangerous creatures with deadly poison. Please be careful on your tour so that your pleasant travel memories do not become painful ones.
summary
In this issue, we introduced the Amami Oshima Amami rabbit.
The Amami Oshima Amami rabbit is a precious creature designated as a natural treasure and an endangered species.
If you travel to Amami Oshima and see the precious Amami rabbit, it might just give you power. Join a tour to increase your chances of seeing them.
There are also many Amami Owl-related souvenirs, so be sure to buy one as a memento of your trip♪
↓Click here to read the article.
