What is the Amami rabbit? Local staff thoroughly explains night tours and ecology to increase the chances of encountering Amami Oshima.
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.
Come meet the Amami black rabbit!
Click here for our popular tours↓
![[Amami Oshima / Approx. 6 hours] Open to children ages 1 and up★ Mangrove Canoeing & Subtropical Forest Night Safari Adventure Tour! 《With Transportation Included》 High Chance of Seeing the Amami Black Rabbit♪ Also Recommended on the Day of Arrival](https://amami-tour.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/IMG_6208-825x510.jpg)
Wildlife Exploration on Amami Oshima
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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
According to estimates from fiscal year 2003, there were approximately 2,000 to 4,800 individuals on Amami Oshima, but thanks to conservation efforts, estimates for fiscal year 2021 indicate there are approximately 10,000 to 34,000 individuals on Amami Oshima, and approximately 1,500 to 4,700 on Tokunoshima.
It can be said that Amami Oshima Island offers a better chance to see the Amami rabbit.
↓Let's go see the Amami Black Rabbit! A popular night tour↓
About the rare wildlife of Amami Oshima↓
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
↓Fall to Winter Is the Best Time! Night Tours with High Sighting Rates↓
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.
↓Head into the forest in a quiet electric car! A wildlife-friendly night tour↓
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, because the Amami black rabbit gives birth to only a few offspring at a time, it is difficult to rapidly increase its population, making it a rare species.
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 briefly earlier, thanks to the success of environmental conservation efforts and the eradication of natural predators, based on estimates from fiscal year 2003,The number is increasing significantlyThe following is a list of the most common problems with the "C" in the "C" column.
Although their numbers are recovering, they are still listed as Endangered (Category IB) on the Ministry of the Environment’s Red List; now that they have access to a wider range of suitable habitats,traffic accident deathThe number of Amami rabbit that do this is increasing.
In 2025, the Amami black rabbit willThe number of animals struck by cars reached a record high of 185It was reported that...
When driving on Amami Oshima Island, be careful of the Amami rabbit and drive safely, avoiding excessive speed.
A rental car is a must on Amami Oshima!
＼We recommend booking early／
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
○ There is a recorded instance of one living for 15 years in captivity.
○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.
Come meet the Amami black rabbit!
Click here for our popular tours↓
Wildlife Exploration on Amami Oshima
Click here for popular plans
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.
It is said that she comes to nurse her young only about once every two days, and she raises her young while protecting them from natural predators.
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.
Come meet the Amami black rabbit!
Click here for our popular night tours↓
Night Tours on Amami Oshima
Click here for popular plans
If you'd like to see the Amami black rabbit—a Special Natural Monument and an endangered species—why not join a night tour on 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.The blue jay and the star-filled sky…! I also got to see the Ishikawa frog, the spiny mouse, and the Amami woodcock, and I enjoyed listening to the calls of all kinds of 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 ↓↓.
You have a high chance of seeing an Amami black 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 lets you observe subtropical nocturnal plants and animals endemic to Amami Oshima. A guide who knows Amami Oshima inside and out will lead you through the island’s jungle!
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.That's part of its charm, too!
↓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.
↓Feel safe with a guide! A night tour where you can observe while following proper etiquette↓
About creatures found only in Amami ↓
summary
In this issue, we introduced the Amami Oshima Amami rabbit.
The Amami black rabbit of Amami Oshima is a precious creature designated as a National Special Natural Monument and a species threatened with extinction.
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 plenty of souvenirs featuring the Amami Black Rabbit, so be sure to pick some up as a memento of your trip!
Click here for the ranking of popular tours to Amami Oshima Island
↓Click here to read the article.
