A journey to learn about the ecology and conservation efforts of the Iriomote cat, which lives only on Iriomote Island
The "Iriomote cat" lives only on Iriomote Island in Okinawa Prefecture. Because their population is extremely small and they are designated as a National Special Natural Monument and an endangered species, many people are working together on conservation efforts. Why not take a trip to deepen your understanding of how these Iriomote cats live and what kind of conservation activities are being carried out?
What is an Iriomote cat?
The Iriomote cat is a species endemic to Iriomote Island
They are about the same size as a typical domestic cat
The Iriomote cat is a feline that lives only on Iriomote Island in the Yaeyama Islands of Okinawa Prefecture, nowhere else in the world. It is characterized by spotted patterns all over its body, a thick tail, a wide nose, rounded ear tips, white lines around its eyes, and a long body with short legs. The average head-and-body length is about 50 to 60 cm, and the average weight is around 4 kg, with males being slightly larger.
They have the unique characteristic of not being afraid of water and are sometimes seen diving into water to catch fish. Compared to other felines, they are characterized by a diverse diet.
Its main habitat is in the lowlands where food is abundant
They feed on a variety of animals, from birds like the white-breasted waterhen to insects and bats
Although Iriomote cats live widely across Iriomote Island, they are said to particularly prefer the lowlands from the foothills to the coast. This is because this area is rich in water and vegetation, allowing them to find plenty of prey. They are crepuscular, a type of nocturnal behavior, and are said to be most active mainly at dawn or dusk.
Occasionally, "Beware of Iriomote cats crossing" signs are placed throughout the roads of Iriomote Island. Like other felines, they act alone and may dart out onto the road during the day, so please be careful.
Conservation efforts for the Iriomote cat
A wild animal at the highest risk of extinction
They also frequently appear in wetlands around mangrove forests
The Iriomote cat is listed as Critically Endangered (IA) in the Ministry of the Environment's 4th Red List. This category represents the highest level of extinction risk among existing species. It was changed from Endangered (IB) in 2007, which indicates a deterioration of the ecosystem. The current estimated population is approximately 100. There is a risk that the population could fall below 100 due to factors such as traffic accidents on the island and the loss of habitat.
Conservation activities are being actively carried out
Traffic accidents involving Iriomote cats occur frequently on the roads of Iriomote Island
Various initiatives are being carried out on Iriomote Island to protect the Iriomote cat. Among the most representative are traffic accident countermeasures and public awareness campaigns on the island.
In addition to installing "Caution: Animal Crossing" road signs and mobile warning signs at spots where Iriomote cats are likely to appear, an "Iriomote Cat Driving Caution Map," created based on sighting reports from both on and off the island, is published every month.
Other diverse measures have been devised, such as installing animal tunnels called underpasses beneath roads and constructing one-sided slope gutters that make it difficult for animals to enter the road.
Places to learn about the Iriomote cat
A base for activities conducting protection and research on the Iriomote cat
A valuable spot where you can see an impressive taxidermy specimen of an Iriomote cat
For those who want to deepen their 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, protection, and research regarding wildlife, including the Iriomote cat.
Many people have visited the center to see valuable video footage and taxidermy specimens of the rarely seen Iriomote cat. This center is also responsible for creating the driving caution map mentioned earlier.
A building with well-equipped exhibition corners and lecture rooms
High expectations for the renewal of the Ministry of the Environment Iriomote Wildlife Conservation Center
The exhibition room on the first floor, which is open to the public, features taxidermy specimens of the Iriomote cat and various other creatures. It also introduces the rare wildlife of Iriomote Island and the island's unique ecosystem through panels, videos, and other materials.
The facility is closed for renovations until around the spring of 2022, but after the work is completed, plans include renewing the exhibition area and expanding the lecture room. There is also talk of considering tours of the Iriomote cat conservation facility.
- Iriomote Wildlife Conservation Center
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Komi, Taketomi-cho, Yaeyama-gun, Okinawa Prefecture MAP 
About 15 minutes by car from Ohara Port
Get off at the "Wildlife Conservation Center" bus stop, about a 10-minute walk
10:00–16:00 (Temporarily closed from 12:00–13:00 on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays)
Mondays (If a public holiday falls on a Monday, the following Tuesday is also closed)
Public holidays (excluding Children's Day and Culture Day)
June 23 (Okinawa Memorial Day)
Year-end and New Year holidays (December 29–January 3)
*Temporary closures may also occur.
Free
0980-85-5581
Free
Closed until around spring 2022 for renovation work. Please check the official website for details, as exhibition content, business hours, and regular holidays may change after the renovation.
Might you meet an Iriomote cat on a night tour?
If you are lucky, you might be able to meet an Iriomote cat!?
Iriomote Island, with its rich nature, is home to many rare creatures in addition to the Iriomote cat. You can observe these creatures on the "Nyaito Tour" (Night Tour) hosted by Iriomote Island Jungle Book. If you are lucky, you might even encounter an Iriomote cat.
As it is a private night tour limited to one group, the appeal is that you can participate at your own pace without worrying about others. Although there are few streetlights on Iriomote Island, you can participate with peace of mind as the tour is conducted by guides who know the area inside out and follow the island's rules.
A tour that can only be enjoyed at night
The real thrill of this tour is that you can enjoy not only the unique creatures of Iriomote Island but also its beautiful scenery. On days with good weather, you can see the magic hour and a sky full of stars, and depending on the season, you may encounter many landscapes and nocturnal creatures, such as ephemeral night-blooming flowers and fireflies. Even if you don't encounter an Iriomote cat, it is a highly satisfying tour.
- Iriomote Island Jungle Book
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- 608 Iriomote, Taketomi-cho, Yaeyama-gun, Okinawa Prefecture MAP
- Approx. 10-minute drive from Uehara Port
- 8:00–19:00 (Reception hours)
*The Night Tour starts at 19:15 (Duration: approx. 2 hours and 30 minutes) - Inquire for details
- Up to 3 people: 24,000 yen (27,000 yen during peak season)
4 or more people: The fee for up to 3 people plus 7,000 yen (8,000 yen during peak season) per person from the 4th person onwards
*Payment must be made in cash on the day.
*The fee for up to 3 people applies even if participating as 1 or 2 people.
*From July 20 to August 20, bookings are accepted for groups of 4 or more. - 080-6516-2008
The "Iriomote Cat School" held year-round
Experience the unknown at Japan's first "Ecotourism Resort"
The Iriomote Island Hotel by Hoshino Resorts is built within the Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park. To protect the island's natural environment and create a sustainable tourism system, it aims to be Japan's first "ecotourism resort."
From the spring of 2021, it also began conservation activities for the Iriomote cat. It offers a wide range of nature tours, such as the "Iriomote Guide Walk" and the "Iriomote Cat Trace Tour," where you can learn deeply about the island's charm and value. It is a recommended hotel for those who want to experience ethical travel.
A program that guests can experience for free
At the "Iriomote Cat School" held by the Iriomote Island Hotel, hotel staff use ecotourism know-how to provide fun explanations about the characteristics of the Iriomote cat. You will be able to reaffirm the important role the Iriomote cat plays in maintaining the island's ecosystem.
It is held year-round regardless of the season, and another great point is that guests can participate for free.
- Iriomote Hotel
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- 2-2 Uehara, Taketomi-cho, Yaeyama-gun, Okinawa Prefecture MAP
- Approx. 10-minute drive from Uehara Port
- Free shuttle bus available from Uehara Port
Local supporter in charge of this article
Iriomote Hotel
Iriomote Island, Okinawa Prefecture
A resort hotel nestled on Iriomote Island, a World Natural Heritage site. You can spend a luxurious time surrounded by great nature.
Access 10 minutes by shuttle bus from Iriomote Island Uehara Port
- Accommodation rate example
- Per person per night From ¥6,000