A trip to learn about the ecology and conservation efforts of the Iriomote wildcat, which only lives on Iriomote Island
The Iriomote wildcat lives only on Iriomote Island in Okinawa Prefecture. With an extremely small population, it is listed as a special natural monument and an endangered species by the government, and many people are working together to protect it. Why not take a trip to deepen your understanding of how the Iriomote wildcat lives and what kind of conservation efforts are being carried out?
What is the Iriomote wildcat?
The Iriomote wildcat is endemic to Iriomote Island.
The body size is about the same as that of a typical house cat.
The Iriomote wildcat, which lives only on Iriomote Island in the Yaeyama Islands of Okinawa Prefecture, is a member of the feline family. It is characterized by spots all over its body, a thick tail, a wide nose, rounded ear tips, white lines around the eyes, and a long body and short legs. Its head and body length is about 50cm to 60cm, and it weighs around 4kg on average, with males being slightly larger.
They are not afraid of water and can be seen diving into the water to catch fish. Compared to other cats, they have a diverse diet.
Their main habitat is lowland areas where food is plentiful.
They feed on a variety of animals, from birds such as the white-breasted waterhen to insects and bats.
The Iriomote wildcat lives widely across Iriomote Island, but is said to particularly prefer the lowlands from the foot of the mountain to the coast. This is because this area is rich in water and vegetation, and there are plenty of creatures to feed on. It is nocturnal, also known as a crepuscular cat, and is said to be most active at dawn or dusk.
Occasionally, signs warning "Watch out for Iriomote wildcats jumping out" are posted all over the roads on Iriomote Island. Like other felines, they act alone and may jump out onto the roads during the day, so be careful.
Iriomote cat conservation activities
Most endangered wildlife
They are often found in the wetlands surrounding mangrove forests.
The Iriomote wildcat is listed as an endangered species, Class IA, in the Ministry of the Environment's 4th Red List. This is the category of species currently in existence that is considered to be at the highest risk of extinction. In 2007, it was changed from an endangered species, Class IB, which shows the deterioration of the ecosystem. The current estimated population is about 100. There is a risk that the number will fall below 100 due to traffic accidents on the island and loss of habitat.
Conservation efforts are being actively undertaken
Iriomote wildcats are frequently killed in traffic accidents on the roads of Iriomote Island.
In order to protect the Iriomote cat, various efforts are being made on Iriomote Island, the most prominent of which are measures against traffic accidents and public relations on the island.
In areas where the Iriomote wildcat is likely to be found, not only have road signs and mobile warning signs been installed to warn drivers of potential lurks, but the "Iriomote wildcat driving caution map" is published every month, based on reports of sightings from both on and off the island.
A wide variety of other innovative features have also been incorporated, such as tunnels for animals under the road called underpasses, and one-sided gutters that make it difficult for animals to enter the road.
Places to learn about the Iriomote wildcat
A base for protecting and researching the Iriomote cat
A rare spot where you can see the impressive stuffed specimen of the Iriomote wildcat
For those who want to gain a deeper understanding of the ecology of the Iriomote cat, we recommend the Iriomote Wildlife Conservation Center. It was established in 1995 by the Environment Agency (now the Ministry of the Environment) as a base for public awareness activities, as well as conservation and research on wildlife, including the Iriomote cat.
Many people have visited the center because they can see rare footage and stuffed specimens of the Iriomote cat, which is a rare sight. The driving warning map introduced earlier was also created at this center.
A well-equipped building with an exhibition corner and lecture room
Hopes are high for the Ministry of the Environment's Iriomote Wildlife Conservation Center's renewal
The exhibition room on the first floor, which is open to the public, displays a stuffed Iriomote cat and other stuffed animals. In addition, panels, videos, and documents are used to introduce the rare wildlife and ecosystem unique to Iriomote Island.
The museum is closed for renovation until around spring 2022, but once the work is completed, plans are in place to renovate the exhibition area and expand the lecture room. There are also plans to offer tours of the wildcat protection Property.
- Iriomote Wildlife Conservation Center
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https://iwcc.jp/
Okinawa Prefecture Yaeyama District Taketomi Town Komi MAP
About 15 minutes by car from Ohara Port
Get off at the bus stop "Wildlife Conservation Center" and walk for about 10 minutes
10:00-16:00 (closed temporarily from 12:00-13:00 on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays)
Mondays (if Monday is a public holiday, the following Tuesday will also be closed)
National holidays (excluding Children's Day and Culture Day)
June 23 (Memorial Day)
New Year's holiday (December 29th - January 3rd)
*There may be other temporary closing days.
free
0980-85-5581
free
The museum is currently closed for renovation work until around spring 2022. After renovation, the exhibits, opening hours, and regular holidays may change, so please check the official website for details.
Maybe you'll see the Iriomote wildcat on a night tour?
You might even be able to see the Iriomote wildcat!
In addition to the Iriomote cat, there are many other rare creatures on the nature-rich Iriomote Island. You can see these creatures on the "Nyaito Tour" organized by the Iriomote Island Jungle Book. If you're lucky, you might even encounter the Iriomote cat.
This is a private night tour limited to one group, so you can take your time without worrying about other people. Iriomote Island has few street lights, but the guide who knows the area well will conduct the tour according to the rules of Iriomote Island, so you can participate with peace of mind.
A tour that can only be enjoyed at night
The best part of this tour is that you can enjoy not only the creatures unique to Iriomote Island, but also the beautiful scenery. On a day with good weather, you can see the magic hour and a star-filled sky, and depending on the season, you can encounter many landscapes and nocturnal creatures such as fantastic night flowers and fireflies. Even if you don't see the Iriomote wildcat, it is a very satisfying tour.
- Iriomote Island Jungle Book
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- https://irijanbook.com/
- 608 Iriomote, Taketomi-cho, Yaeyama-gun, Okinawa Prefecture MAP
- About 10 minutes by car from Uehara Port
- 8:00-19:00 (reception hours)
*Nyaito tour starts at 19:15 (duration: about 2 hours 30 minutes) - Please enquire
- Up to 2 people: 12,000 yen
From the third person: 4,500 yen per person (cash payment only on the day) - 080-6516-2008
The Iriomote Cat School is open all year round
Experience something new at Japan's first ecotourism resort
Hoshino Resorts Hoshino Resorts Iriomote Hotel was built within Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park. In order to protect the island's natural environment and create a sustainable tourism system, the hotel aims to be Japan's first ecotourism resort.
From spring 2021, conservation activities for the Iriomote wildcat will also begin. There are also plenty of nature tours available to learn more about the island's charm and value, such as the "Iriomote Guided Walk" and "Iriomote Wildcat Trace Tour." This hotel is recommended for those who want to Experience ethical travel.
Free programs Experience to guests
At the "Iriomote Cat School" run by Hoshino Resorts Hoshino Resorts Iriomote Hotel, hotel Staff/staff member will use their ecotourism know-how to explain the characteristics of the Iriomote cat in an entertaining way. You will once again be reminded of the important role that the Iriomote cat plays in maintaining the island's ecosystem.
It is held all year round, regardless of the season, and another great thing about it is that guests staying at the hotel can participate for free.
- Hoshino Resorts Hoshino Resorts Iriomote Hotel
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- https://iriomotehotel.com/
- 2-2 Uehara, Taketomi-cho, Yaeyama-gun, Okinawa Prefecture MAP
- About 10 minutes by car from Uehara Port
- Free shuttle bus available from Uehara Port
- 0570-073-022
- free
