Nansei Shoto Archipelago Forests - A Global Ecoregion
Unusual patterns of endemism across a complex of subtropical islands
Snapshot: Ecoregion 32
Size:
4,000 sq. km (1,570 sq. miles)
Habitat type:
Tropical and Subtropical Moist Broadleaf Forests
Geographic Location:
A chain of islands in southern Japan
Conservation Status:
Critical/Endangered
4,000 sq. km (1,570 sq. miles)
Habitat type:
Tropical and Subtropical Moist Broadleaf Forests
Geographic Location:
A chain of islands in southern Japan
Conservation Status:
Critical/Endangered
Did You Know!
The Pryer's woodpecker excavates nesting cavities in the trunks of trees. But because the bird is so large, it needs large, well-grown trees. As a result, the breeding range of Pryer's woodpeckers is seriously limited when its forests are logged.
About the Area
The Nansei Shoto Archipelago consists of numerous small and large islands lying in a chain between southern Japan and Taiwan.
The larger of these islands are volcanic in origin, with mountainous terrain. The smaller ones are mostly formations of coral.All of them contain forests of leafy trees that flourish in the wet, subtropical climate, and have numerous endemic plant and bird species.
Local Species
The Iriomote Islands contain the world's only habitat for the rare and endangered Iriomote cat (Felis iriomotensis) - a brown, spotted cat discovered in 1964, that is slightly bigger than the average housecat, and hunts for small mammals, birds, lizards, and insects from their perches in the trees.
Other species of interest include the Amami rabbit (Pentalagus furnessi), Okinawan or Pyers' woodpecker (Sapheopipo noguchii), and the Okinawa rail (Rallus okinawae) - nearly flightless birds, discovered in 1981.
Threats
Developments such as dam construction, logging, introduced species, and expansion of agriculture threaten remaining natural habitats.
Resources
• NationalGeographic.com
