Okinawa’s Wildlife

Overview

From giant “murder hornets” to giant centipedes, many people are aware of the more infamous, more dangerous insects that call Japan home. Luckily, Okinawa does not have many of these! It is very unlikely that JETs living on the main island will ever see or have to deal with either the giant “murder hornet” or the giant centipede. However, Okinawa is still a tropical island, coming with its own diverse ecosystem.

Okinawa is home to many creatures–some of which are potentially harmful to humans and some of which are not. This page will cover some of the more common horrors and wonders of the Okinawan wilderness with the intent to increase awareness, not fear.

Photo by Okinawa Convention & Visitors Bureau via Visit Okinawa Japan

Forest Wildlife

While not as well known as Okinawa’s beaches, Okinawa has several designated national parks that are equally as stunning. In the northern half of Okinawa’s main island is Yanbaru National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park spans two of the outer islands. Both parks possess wonderful hiking trails and a variety of wildlife. The Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park boasts Japan’s largest mangrove forest–an impressive sight to see with the trees’ distinct roots rising out of the water.

Mongoose (マングース)

The mongoose, a small, carnivorous mammal, was introduced to Okinawa in the 1910s with the intention that they would control the habu population. However, mongoose are diurnal in comparison to the nocturnal habu, and this difference in lifestyles ultimately resulted in failure of the original intention. While mongoose have a special mutation that grants them immunity from habu venom and allows them to eat these snakes, they are just as content to eat various birds, causing several native bird species to become endangered. 

Photo by Shawn Miller via Okinawa Nature Photography

Okinawan rail (Yanbaru rail/Yanbaru kuina　ヤンバルクイナ)

The Okinawan rail is an endangered bird endemic to the Ryukyu Islands. This living national treasure may be flightless but makes up for this shortcoming with its speed. Adult rails have distinct red eyes and legs. 

Photo by Shawn Miller via Okinawa Nature Photography

Yanbaru long-armed scarab beetle (yanbaru te naga kogane　やんばるテナガコガネ)

Photo by Okinawa Ikimono Lab

Snakes (hebi　へび　蛇; In Okinawan: habu　ハブ)

While there are many types of snakes in Okinawa, only a few species are venomous to humans. Of these, the most commonly sighted are the Okinawan habu (golden habu), the Taiwanese habu (brown-spotted pit viper), and the princess habu (hime habu). Although this may make it seem as if Okinawa is teeming with snakes, it is not. People living in urban areas are far more likely to encounter a habu at an izakaya–habu shu, an alcohol made with a fermented habu, is considered a prefectural specialty–than they are in their daily life. Those living in more rural areas may see an occasional snake, but should not be overly worried about the danger.

Okinawan Habu (Golden Habu)

This endemic snake is the largest and most venomous of all the snakes on the island. Identifiable through its golden color and slender body, the Okinawan habu is often found on rock walls–such as those in caves or tombs–and near tree lines–such as those near parks and farms.

According to reports from the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST), around 50 bites from this snake are reported every year. While the venom from the Okinawan habu is hemotoxic, meaning that it destroys blood cells and tissues, immediate treatment has resulted in a less than 1% fatality rate. 

Photo by Shawn Miller via Okinawa Nature Photography

Taiwanese habu (brown-spotted pit viper)

Accidentally released into Okinawa’s wilderness during the 1970s, the Taiwanese habu is grayish-brown in color with large, distinct splotches and a triangular head.

Photo by Shawn Miller via Okinawa Nature Photography

Princess habu (hime habu)

Photo by Shawn Miller via Okinawa Nature Photography

Snake Bite Treatment

Snake bites are not a serious area of concern for most OkiJETs. Those working in fields, such as farmers, account for the majority of bites. Only 5% of habu bites occur in mountainous regions.

1. If bitten, identify the snake.
   • Remember that not all snakes are habu. Being able to give a visual description of the snake can aid in your treatment. However, do not attempt to catch the snake as it may try to bite you again. 
2. Seek medical attention.
   • If you are traveling with companions, have them escort you slowly to the hospital, as running can cause the venom to spread faster.
   • If you are alone, call 119 as soon as you can. Wrap a cloth gently around the upper part of the extremity closer to your heart than the bite.

Reminders

Here are a few bullet points to remember when it comes to snakes in Japan:

• Nocturnal Creatures
  • Habu are nocturnal, so you are unlikely to see them during the day. If you enjoy exercising at night and live in a rural area, bring a flashlight and wear protective clothing on your legs. 
• Leave them alone.
  • As with most snakes, habu are not interested in you. If you see a habu, give it a wide berth. Snakes are more likely to attack when they feel threatened. 
• Not fatal
  • Habu bites have a fatality rate of less than 1%, meaning that you do not need to fear them. Many Okinawans living in urban areas have never encountered one in the wild. 

For detailed information regarding snakes, please read the official pamphlet provided by the Okinawan government: ハブに関する普及啓発_リーフレット英語 (okinawa.lg.jp)

Spiders (kumo　くも)

Spiders are, unfortunately, a part of daily life in Japan regardless of where you live. Besides occasionally making one’s heart race, spiders in Japan are relatively harmless to humans. The most common spiders that you will encounter are tiny jumping spiders. If you are (un)lucky, you may encounter some of the larger species.

Golden orb weaver (joro spider　joro gumo　ジョロウグモ)

If you are familiar with Japanese folklore, you may have heard of the golden orb weaver who is often depicted as a woman that entraps and feasts on men. However, the actual spider prefers to feast on insects that it traps in its large web.

Photo by Shawn Miller via Okinawa Nature Photography

Huntsman spider (ashidaka gumo　アシダカグモ)

The huntsman spider is perhaps one of the more well-known spiders of Okinawa. Their bodies are more flat than the average spider, and their legs are adapted to clinging on to various surfaces–even a speeding car can’t shake them! Their fame tends to come from their mobility and size; huntsman spiders can both run and jump with tremendous speed. At their largest, the huntsman spider can be as long as a human fist, though their size doesn’t always help make them visible, so be sure to check shoes and other dark places carefully before exposing your appendages. 

Although huntsman spiders are poisonous, their venom is relatively harmless. Pain, swelling, and skin irritation are common symptoms, as is the typical “ewewewew” reaction upon seeing one.

Photo by Shawn Miller via Okinawa Nature Photography

Marine Wildlife

Part of Okinawa’s unique charm stems from its deep connection with the ocean. As such, Okinawans have a deep respect for the ocean and its many mysteries. We recommend that all OkiJETs visit the famous Churaumi Aquarium during their time here to learn more about the wildlife inhabiting the waters surrounding the many islands. We also recommend trying some of the many marine sports available, such as swimming, snorkeling, boating, and scuba diving. While enjoying the ocean, please be mindful of the following wildlife:

Cone Snails (imogai　イモガイ)

It’s said that every rose has its thorns, and the same is true for cone snails. The shells of these snails are adored by collectors and beachcombers alike due to their varying patterns. With over 900 different species, it’s highly likely you’ll encounter one at some point during your stay. 

All species are known to be venomous, and the chemical composition of these venoms is as varied as their shell designs. Likewise, the venom’s potency varies from species to species. Some of the smaller species aren’t nearly as deadly, and their bites aren’t as painful. One of the larger species is often referred to as the “cigarette snail”, implying that, after being stung, the victim only has enough time to smoke a cigarette before their life, too, is extinguished.

• If stung, seek medical attention as quickly as possible. To reduce your risk of being stung, carry a stick while looking for shells, using it to prod the insides of any shell you’re thinking of collecting.

Coral Reefs (sango sho　さんごしょう　サンゴ礁)

Okinawa’s islands are surrounded by ancient coral reefs that contain 400 of the 800 known species of coral in the world. These sea forests act as homes for 30% of all marine species. 

In addition to the role they play in supporting marine life, coral reefs also help humans. Coral reefs act as barriers that reduce the impact of high waves during typhoons, tsunamis, and other storms. One of the marine organisms that lives on coral reefs is also an important component in the fight against climate change because it absorbs CO₂. 

Photo by Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology

As coral reefs are extremely important, one of the main things that you can do to protect them is to wear coral-safe sunscreen. An estimated 14,000 tons of sunscreen enters the ocean every year and harms marine wildlife, including coral reefs. Use lotion-type sunscreens that are non-nano (ノンナの) and do not contain oxybenzone and octinoxate.

Another way in which you can protect coral is by not touching it. As tempting as it may be to touch the captivating coral reefs, corals belong to the same kingdom as jellyfish and are capable of stinging. They are also fragile, and careless touching can cause damage to the reef. For your safety and the coral reefs’, please be extremely careful to look and not touch.

Photo by Okinawa Convention & Visitors Bureau via Visit Okinawa Japan

Further Readings

For more on Okinawa’s wildlife, check Shawn Miller’s website https://okinawanaturephotography.com/. 

For more regarding Okinawa`s conservation efforts, check Research News | Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology OIST.