A trip to learn about the ecology and conservation activities of the Iriomote wildcat, which lives only in Iriomote Island
The Iriomote wildcat lives only on Iriomote Island (Iriomotejima) in Okinawa Prefecture. Because its population is extremely small and it is listed as a national special natural treasure and an endangered species, 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 protection activities are being carried out?
What is the Iriomote wildcat?
Iriomote wildcat is endemic to Iriomote Island.
The body size is about the same as a common Iriomote wild cat
The Iriomote wildcat, which lives only on Iriomote Island in the Yaeyama Islands of Okinawa Prefecture, is a member of the cat family. It is characterized by its overall spotted pattern, thick tail, wide snout, rounded ear tips, white lines around the eyes, and long body and short legs. The average head and body length is approximately 50 to 60 cm, and the average weight is around 4 kg, 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 are characterized by a diverse diet.
Its main habitat is the lowland area where food is abundant.
They feed on various animals from birds such as the white-spotted rail to insects and bats.
The Iriomote wildcat inhabits widely in Iriomote Island, and it is said that it especially prefers lowland areas from the foot of mountains to the coast. This is because this area is rich in water environment and vegetation, and they can find abundant creatures to feed. They are nocturnal, called "twilight-dusk type," and the time when they are active is said to be mainly at dawn or dusk.
From time to time, "Beware of Iriomote wildcat jumping out" signs are placed everywhere on the roads of Iriomote Island. Be careful because Iriomote wildcat, like other cats, acts alone and sometimes jumps out onto the road during the daytime.
Iriomote wildcat conservation activities
Wildlife most threatened with extinction
They often appear in wetlands around mangrove forests
The Iriomote wildcat is listed as an endangered species in the Ministry of the Environment's Fourth Red List of Threatened Species, Class IA. In 2007, the Iriomote wildcat was moved from Endangered Species IB, indicating the deterioration of its ecosystem. The current estimated population is approximately 100 animals. Traffic accidents on the island and loss of habitat could reduce the number to less than 100.
Conservation efforts are being actively carried out
Iriomote wildcat is frequently killed in traffic accidents on the roads of Iriomote Island
In order to protect the Iriomote wildcat, various efforts are being made in Iriomote Island. Among them, the most representative ones are countermeasures against traffic accidents and publicity in the island.
Not only road signs and mobile warning signs are installed at spots where Iriomote wildcat is likely to appear, but also "Iriomote wildcat driving caution map" is published every month, which is made based on the sighting information received from inside and outside of the island.
A wide variety of other innovations are also in place, including a tunnel for animals called an underpass under the road and a single-slope gutter that makes it difficult for animals to enter the road.
Where you can learn about the Iriomote wildcat
The activity base for protection and research of Iriomote wildcat
A precious spot where you can see a powerful stuffed Iriomote wildcat
Iriomote Wildlife Conservation Center" is recommended for those who want to deepen their understanding of the Iriomote wild cat's ecology. The Iriomote Wildlife Conservation Center was established in 1995 by the Environment Agency (currently the Ministry of the Environment) as a base of activities to promote and raise awareness of Iriomote wild cat and other wildlife, and to conduct conservation, research and studies.
Many people have visited the museum to see the rare Iriomote wildcat, which is rarely seen, and its valuable visual materials and stuffed animals. It is also the center that produces the driving caution map introduced earlier.
A building with a well-equipped exhibition area and lecture room
Iriomote Wildlife Conservation Center of the Ministry of the Environment, which is expected to be renewed
In the exhibition room on the first floor, which is open to the public, a stuffed Iriomote wildcat and various other creatures are displayed. In addition, the rare wildlife of Iriomote Island and the island's unique ecosystem are introduced through panels, videos, and documents.
The museum will be closed for renovation until spring 2022, but after the construction is completed, the exhibition area will be renewed and the lecture room will be expanded. In addition, a tour of a protection Property for wild cat is also being considered.
- Iriomote Wildlife Conservation Center
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Aza-Komi, Taketomi Town, Yaeyama County, Okinawa MAP
15 minutes drive from Ohara Port
Get off at the bus stop "Wildlife Conservation Center" and walk about 10 minutes.
10:00-16:00 (temporarily closed from 12:00-13:00 on Saturdays, Sundays and national holidays)
Mondays (if a national holiday falls on a Monday, the museum is also closed on the following Tuesday)
National holidays (except Children's Day and Culture Day)
June 23 (Memorial Day)
Year-end and New Year holidays (December 29-January 3)
*The museum is also closed on other days on a temporary basis.
Free of charge
0980-85-5581
Free of charge
The museum will be closed for renovation work until spring 2022. After the renovation, the exhibition contents, operating hours, and regular closing days may change.
You may be able to see Iriomote wildcat on a night tour?
You may be able to see the Iriomote wildcat!
In Iriomote Island, rich in nature, there are many other rare creatures besides the Iriomote wildcat. You can see such creatures in the "Nyato Tour" organized by Iriomotejima Jungle Book. If you are lucky, you may be able to see Iriomote wild cat.
Since it is a private night tour limited to one group, you can participate leisurely without worrying about other people. Although there are few street lights in Iriomote Island, you can participate in the tour with peace of mind because the guide who knows the local area well conducts the tour in accordance with the rules of Iriomote Island.
Tours that can be enjoyed only at night
The best part of this tour is that you can enjoy beautiful scenery as well as creatures unique to Iriomote Island. On a fine day, you can see magic hour and stars in the sky, and depending on the season, you can see fantastic one-night flowers, fireflies, and many other landscapes and creatures of the night. Even if you don't see an Iriomote wildcat, you will be highly satisfied with this tour.
- Iriomotejima Jungle Book
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- 608 Iriomote, Taketomi-cho, Yaeyama-gun, Okinawa MAP
- 10 minutes drive from Uehara Port
- 8:00-19:00 (reception hours)
*Nyato tour starts at 19:15 (duration: about 2 hours and 30 minutes) - Inquiry required
- Up to 2 persons: 12,000 yen
From the third person: additional 4,500 yen per person (cash payment on the day only) - 080-6516-2008
Iriomote Cat School" held throughout the year
Experience the unknown at Japan's first "eco-tourism resort
Hoshino Resorts Iriomote Hotel was built in the Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park. It aims to be Japan's first "eco-tourism resort" in order to protect the island's natural environment and create a sustainable tourism system.
From the spring of 2021, Iriomote Cat conservation activities will also start. The Iriomote Guided Walk" and "Iriomote Cat Trace Tour" are just a few of the many nature tours available, which will give visitors a deeper insight into the island's charms and values. This hotel is recommended for those who wish to experience ethical travel.
Programs that can be Experienced Free of Charge for Guests
In the "Iriomote Cat School" conducted by Hoshino Resorts Iriomote Hotel, the hotel staff/staff member will explain the characteristics of the Iriomote Cat in a fun way based on their ecotourism know-how. Once again, you will be reminded that the Iriomote wildcat plays an important role in maintaining the island's ecosystem.
The tour is held throughout the year regardless of the season, and is free of charge for hotel guests.
- Hoshino Resorts Iriomote Hotel
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- 2-2 Uehara, Taketomi-cho, Yaeyama-gun, Okinawa MAP
- 10 minutes drive from Uehara Port
- Free shuttle bus available from Uehara Port
- 0570-073-022
- Free of charge
