About the Iriomote wildcat! Thorough explanation of its ecology, characteristics, and how to encounter it by local staff!

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When talking about Iriomote Island, many people probably think of the Iriomote wildcat.

 

The Iriomote wildcat is located in Okinawa, Japan.It is found only in Iriomote Island.They are endangered creatures.

 

This time, it is loved as a symbol of Iriomote Island.Iriomote wildcat (Prionailurus bengalensis iriomotensis)This section will explain about

 

What is Iriomote wildcat?

The Iriomote wildcat is classified in the cat family Bengal wildcatSubspecies of Bengal catIt is.

 

As a result, they look a bit like leopard-print Bengal cats and are slightly different in appearance from the stray cats found in urban areas.

The ancestors of the Iriomote wildcat during a period of about 240,000~20,000 years ago.Came to the Ryukyu Islands from the continentand settled on Iriomote Island, which is where they are now.

 

It was discovered in 1965 in Funauki village in the southwestern part of Iriomote Island.

However, the number of these Iriomote wildcats has been decreasing year by year,Currently an endangered speciesIt has been designated as a

 

Because of its rarity, it is designated as a special natural monument and a domestic rare wild animal and plant species.Endemic species of Iriomote IslandIt is popularly known as

If you go to the island, you can buy Iriomote wildcat goods andCat jump warning signYou will see that the island is widely loved by the islanders.

 

In the local dialectYamamaya."and ... andYamapiccarya.", ,Mepiscalya."It is also known by other names such as

 

Characteristics of the Iriomote wildcat

It is called the bobcat, but the Iriomote wildcatBody length is 50 cm to 60 cm, ,Weight 3 kg to 5 kgandIt is almost the same as a typical domesticated cat.

 

As mentioned above, the appearance isleopard print (design)And, like the munchkins inlong-bodied and short-leggedIt is unique in that it is

 

With small, round ears., ,Vertical stripes on foreheadThere is aWhite around the eyesThe eyes appear to be shaded, which makes the eyes look worse.

 

Iriomote wildcat ecology

Iriomote wildcat inhabitsIriomote Island is a remote island in Okinawa Prefecture, even more so than the main island of Okinawa.Yaeyama Islands located more than 400 km southwestin the

 

different from the mainland due to its location in the far south.subtropical climateand its temperature is very mild throughout the year.

Such a climate has a positive effect on the natural environment,More than 90% of the island is jungleThis is the greatest feature of Iriomote Island.

 

By UNESCOWorld Natural Heritage SiteThe risk of invasive species disturbing the environment is low because the area is surrounded by the sea.

 

this (something or someone close to the speaker (including the speaker), or ideas expressed by the speaker)Stable climatewill have affected the Iriomote wildcat's habitat in no small way.

Such Iriomote wildcats arenocturnal habitAnd during daytime hours, they basically sleep in the shade of trees or rock holes in the jungle.

 

However, they are not always in such places, but from the foot of the mountains to the coast of the island.Extensive low-lying areasIt is witnessed in

 

The lowlands of Iriomote Island have rivers and streams and are rich in water,drinking waterThey may also be used as

Omnivorous, insectivores, reptiles, mammals, etc. anyway.Feeding a wide variety of organismsThe company is committed to

 

Originally, in a small remote island like Iriomote IslandA few small mammals such as ratsIt is inhabited only by the sea, and is not suitable for the organisms that feed on it to live in.

 

Stable captureAdaptation to low food availabilityUnparalleled as aomnivorousIt is said that they may have acquired the

Also, if you are a cat owner, you may know,Many cats hate water.It is famous for its

 

On the other hand, however, the Iriomote wildcat is not afraid of water.Great swimmerIt is a living creature.

to stave off hungerJumping into the river, diving, etc.and catch fish.

 

In a limited environment(a person) who survived alive and wellThis survivor is the Iriomote wildcat.

 

How many Iriomote wildcat are there?

The population of the Iriomote wildcat is said to be decreasing year by year, and it is nowOnly about 100 animals remain.It is estimated that

 

from now onVery likely to become extinct.You can tell from the number of animals that they are animals.

 

Is the Iriomote wildcat endangered?

The Iriomote wildcat boasts of such resilience, but as I mentioned above, it is also a very strong cat.endangered speciesIt has been designated as a

 

Domestic Rare Species of Wild Fauna and FloraThe Ministry of the Environment of Japan designates species in Japan that are in danger of extinction for the purpose of species preservation.

 

to its domestic rare wild animal and plant species,1994The Iriomote wildcat was also designated as a

 

Iriomote wildcat.
cause of decrease

Why has the Iriomote wildcat, which boasts such a robust ecology, declined so much?

 

The most common reasons for this areFour ReasonsThe following is a list of

 

(1) Decrease in habitat due to development

The nature of Iriomote Island is precious even from a global perspective,More than 901 TP3T of the island is undevelopedThe land is so protected that the natural environment has remained as it is.

 

On the other hand, so do many islands in Okinawa Prefecture,tourist tradeis an important industry for the people living on Iriomote Island.

 

Therefore, the transformation of Iriomote Island into a tourist destination is gradually underway, with the aim of building lodging and commercial facilities.Development is underway.It is also true that

Compared to other lands, Iriomote Island is also left with a magnificent jungle,road improvementand ... andLarge-scale farmland expansionWe have gradually lost nature due to such factors as the following.

 

As a result, the pavement of the Iriomote wildcat's preferred environment has progressed,Unsuitable habitatThe change has been a gradual one to

 

(2) Traffic Accident

The current decline in the number of Iriomote wildcat survivors is due toIssues taken most seriouslyis a traffic accident.

 

Iriomote Island is attracting more and more tourists every year, many of themrent-a-caras a means of transportation.

Accidents between such tourists and Iriomote wildcat are frequent.at nightIt is.

 

The night of Iriomote Island is outside the city area.Not many street lights.On cloudy days, tourists who don't know the area well may find it difficult to get around, especially if the weather is cloudy.Environment with poor visibilityThe first two are the following.

 

The Iriomote wildcat is mainly active at night,Unexpectedly ran out into the road and made contact.Accidents in such cases are frequent.

Between 1978 and April 2022, traffic accidents related to the Iriomote wildcat were101 casesOccurrence.

 

And of those91 casesschool (e.g. of ikebana)Death of Iriomote wildcathas been confirmed.

 

Given that the current population is about 100 animals.Number of accidents is seriousYou can see that this is the case.

Another frequently cited cause of traffic accidents is the fact that Iriomote Island has aThe only arterial road that runs through the areais its proximity to Iriomote wildcat habitat.

 

For the Iriomote wildcat, thisMain roads are also within the actionand many cases of accidents have occurred at the same time they were crossing there.

Furthermore, the Iriomote wildcat is in mating season(season of) winterThere are males and youngCats are activeThis is another reason for the high number of accidents that occur.

 

Iriomote wildcat (Iriomote yamaneko) by the Ministry of the Environment and Okinawa Prefecture.Caution against jumping out of the car.road signand ... andAnimal Tunnels, ,zebra crossinginstallation, etc.

 

When visiting Iriomote Island and renting a car, always think about the creatures popping up.Do not speed.Let's try to do that.

 

(iii) Invasive alien species

Surrounded by the water of a remote island, the environment isLess likely to attract non-native organismsHowever, there have still been cases of Iriomote wildcat deaths caused by non-native species.

 

The Iriomote wildcat is not preyed upon by an invasive species, but the Iriomote wildcat is.Predates and poisons non-native organismsDeath is often caused by

One such invasive alien species is thegiant toad (Bufo marinus)The following is a list of the most common problems with the "C" in the "C" column.

 

Being an omnivore, theIntroduced to Ishigaki Island for pest controlIt is a large frog native to Central and South America, and is also distributed on Iriomote Island.

 

However, from the current situation, this iserrorI must say that it was.

 

giant toad (Bufo marinus)Indiscriminate predation on small animals and other animalsThis could destroy the ecosystem of Iriomote Island.

The toad, a natural enemy of such small animals, is also food for the Iriomote wildcat, but the toad isStrong poisonous fluid from the ear glandssecretion.

 

It is so highly poisonous that it can cause blindness in humans and heart attacks in the worst case, and Iriomote wildcatPredation results in death.There is a risk that the

Compared to Ishigaki Island, the number of toads inhabiting Iriomote Island is small,Very high reproductive capacityIt is only a matter of time before they become entrenched from the fact that

 

The current situation is that immediate steps need to be taken.

 

4) FIV

Concerned even with domesticated cats and other animals.FIV ((Feline immunodeficiency virus infection),commonly referred to as cat AIDSThe death of the Iriomote wildcat due to the Iriomote wildcat is also a problem.

 

FIV is transmitted mainly through saliva from infected cats through fights, etc., and when the disease develops, symptoms such as anemia and tumors develop.It will die within a few months.The following is a list of the most common problems with the "C" in the "C" column.

Even in current veterinary medicine, this FIVThere is no effective treatment.If a wild individual contracted the disease, there would be no way to stop it.

 

Although there have been no actual cases of Iriomote wildcat deaths due to FIV, the Iriomote IslandDetected in domesticated cat and diedThere have been reports of cases in which

Because wild Iriomote wildcat is not vaccinated,If you have contact with your cat.There is a good chance that FIV will spread.

 

It can be said that we must be very concerned about the future infection and its spread.

 

Iriomote wildcat habitat

As I mentioned above, the Iriomote wildcat's living area isBasically in the woods.It is.

 

In addition to that, coastal forests, trails, wetland forests, mangrove forests, etc.The waterside is also rich in foodThis is a major area of activity due to the fact that it is a

 

However, it is important to note that human beings are not intended toIt's hard to see it that way.It can be said that

Iriomote wildcats are basicallynocturnal habitand yetcautious natureBecause of this, it is rare to find them even if you walk around in the forest looking for them.

 

Even if they were lurking nearby, they have very good ears and noses.They run away before you can encounter them.I am sure you will.

indiscriminatelyWithout stepping into their dwellings.It is best to think of yourself as lucky if you meet someone.

 

If you do encounter them, observe them from a distance so as not to threaten their endangered lives,Never do anything that touches or irritates.Let's try to do that.

 

The Iriomote wildcat has a
How can I meet you?

If the chances of meeting them are low, and they shouldn't enter the dwelling, how can we meet them?

 

Some may ask such questions.

 

Next up.Possibility to see Iriomote wildcatHere are some ways in which there are

 

(1) Visit Iriomote Wildlife Conservation Center

Iriomote Island hasWildlife Conservation CenterThere is a place called

 

The facility is home to Iriomote wildcat and other animals that inhabit Iriomote Island.Models and details of living creaturesare on display.

 

The wide range of insects and plants on display allows visitors to learn about the nature of Iriomote Island in depth!

 

(2) Walking around Iriomote Island at night

As described earlier, the Iriomote wildcat is nocturnal.

 

Therefore, it is more than a daytime stroll.Walking at nightit is more likely thatHigh encounter rateIt will be!

 

However, it is very dangerous to enter the mountains at night,Walking along the mountainMake sure to do so.

 

And PiPi characters.
Iriomote wildcat.
Motifs!

ADVENTURE PiPi's mascot character, theMr. Pippi."The following is a list of the most common problems with the "C" in the "C" column.

 

Pipi-kun, too, actually,Iriomote wildcat motifIt has become a

 

Please be sure to love Pipi-kun along with Iriomote wildcat!

 

Iriomote Island Recommendation
5 activities!

You can also enjoy actually feeling with your body what the great nature of Iriomote Island, where the Iriomote wild cat lives, is like!

 

In this issue.Enjoy the nature of Iriomote Island.Activity.fiveIntroduction.

 

Iriomote Islandrecommendation
Activities
1) Mangrove SUP/Canoe Tour

The first one I would like to introduce is the mangrove SUP/canoe tour.

 

Among the activities in Iriomote IslandStandard tour!

It's a great way to relax at sea, feel the waves, and move along the river surrounded by nature.It feels very mysterious.

 

The great nature of Iriomote Island can be seen only by looking atGreat spot to get power.It is.

 

Iriomote Islandrecommendation
Activities
two (used in legal documents)Barras Island Snorkeling

This plan includes SUP/canoeing on a world heritage island and snorkeling at Barasu Island!

 

At Barras Island SnorkelingIf you are lucky, you may see sea turtles!

 

The sea around the coral-covered Barras Island is crystal clear and very beautiful.

 

Iriomote Islandrecommendation
Activities
Canyoning

Canyoning (canyoning), as the name implies, is a game in which one descends along a river through a canyon!

 

Canyoning is a great way to get wet from head to toe and not worry about rain.Very popular year-round activityOh my god!!!

 

It is sure to be an exciting adventure while feeling the great nature of Iriomote Island.

Jumping off a cliff isThrillingSo please give it a try.

 

Even if you are not a good swimmer, you can rest assured that you will be wearing a life jacket!

 

Even on rainy days, jump into the river.Exhilarating ActivitiesWhy not experience the

 

Iriomote Islandrecommendation
Activities
4)Sunset SUP/Canoe

The sunset tour that you see while feeling the natural world of Iriomote Island with your whole body isPopular ToursIt is.

 

If you cruise the ocean on a SUP or canoe while watching the spectacular sunset,A great end to a great day!must be able to do so.

 

Both SUP and canoeing are well guided by guides, so beginners can feel at ease.

Forget all about the real world,Time for just you, the sun and the earthcan be tasted.

 

Different from what you see in the city.Sunset in the great outdoorsPlease be healed greatly in the

 

Iriomote Islandrecommendation
Activities
5⑤Starry sky & jungle night tour

The starry sky & jungle night tour on Iriomote Island, which has been selected as a World Heritage Site, is one of the tours you should definitely experience.

 

You can't see it in Honshu.Unusual creatures and plantsto see the

 

Endangered species different from the Iriomote wildcat"coconut crab."Try to find the

If the sky is clear, you may be able to see a star-filled sky.

 

Second in the world.The Starry Sky Reserve.You can experience a natural planetarium in a starry sky certified by the

 

Please enjoy Iriomote Island at night, which can be enjoyed only by those who stay overnight, not by day-trippers!

 

in the end

We have introduced the Iriomote wildcat, the symbol of Iriomote Island.

 

The Iriomote wildcat is adorable and precious, though,No contact with wild individuals.is the best.

 

If you are traveling and want to see the Iriomote wildcat, you can visit the Komi settlement nearIriomote Wildlife Conservation CenterVisit the

 

When you visit the island as a tourist, be sure to pay attention to the Iriomote wildcat.

 

Thank you for reading to the end!