Efforts

In 1979 when the small Indian mongoose (Herpestes auropunctatus) was brought to Amami-Oshima Island in effort to reduce the number of habu vipers, the strategy backfired when the introduced mongooses began preying on many of the rare native species like the Amami rabbit and Amami Ishikawa's frog, effectively disrupting the ecological balance.
As a counter-measure, a full-blown eradication project was established in the year 2000 to rid the mongoose from the island and a specialized team, the Amami Mongoose Busters, was subsequently formed in 2005 to systematically advance these efforts. Currently, many of the native animal populations are gradually recovering and the final goal is to completely eliminate the mongoose from the island.

Under the Protection and Recovery Program, the Ministry of the Environment carries out conservation activities such as habitat and population surveys to help protect the Amami rabbit, Amami woodcock, and Amami thrush. Research, ecological surveys, and raising public awareness ensure each species and their surrounding environment are carefully monitored.

Many of the nocturnal animals, such as the Amami rabbit, are often killed by cars on Amami-Oshima and Tokunoshima Islands. Every year during September and October, the Wildlife Traffic Accident Prevention Campaign advocates safe and slow driving to prevent wildlife deaths.

The Amami Wildlife Center was established by the Ministry of the Environment and serves as the central base for conservation activities in Amamigunto National Park. The center has educational exhibits about the islands' nature and rare fauna and flora, and also holds nature observation meetings and other environmental awareness activities.

TEL 0997-55-8620
Open 9:30 - 16:30 (Closed Mondays, end and beginning of year)