Amami-Oshima Island, Tokunoshima, Iriomote, Northern Okinawa Island

Amami Oshima Island, Tokunoshima, Northern Okinawa Island and Iriomot . Islande is a UNESCO World Heritage Site consisting of 5 consecutive parts on 4 islands located in the Ryukyu island chain (Nansei Islands). It is recognized for the biodiversity of the ecosystem with the unique flora and fauna of the area.

English name: Amami-Oshima Island, Tokunoshima Island, Northern part of Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island
Year of recognition: 2021
Criteria: (x)
Acreage: 42,698 ha with a buffer zone of 24,467 ha

The area with an area of 426.98 square kilometers is home to 1,819 species of vascular plants, 21 species of terrestrial mammals, 394 species of birds, 21 species of amphibians, 36 species of terrestrial reptiles and 267 species of fish. 6,153 insect species. The area has many endemic species including 189 species of vascular plants, 13 species of terrestrial mammals, 5 species of birds, 18 species of amphibians, 23 species of reptiles, 14 species of fish, and 1,607 species of insects, of which notable with some rare and threatened species such as Amami rabbit, Okinawa waterfowl, Iriomote cat.

In addition, in Yanbaru north of Okinawa island is also the shelter of the great white rowing ward, the brown-eared crested owl, the brown-backed owl, the long-necked owl, the Japanese bush warbler, the black-tailed paradise, the Japanese dwarf woodpecker Ban, Japanese tit, Japanese ring, big beaked crow, yellow back flycatcher, lotus cuckoo, brown breasted hoe, hung lemongrass, multicolored titmouse. Similarly, species found in the Yaeyama Islands (including Iriomote) include the Japanese dwarf woodpecker.