Mangrove Forests of Okinawa

Mangrove forests are one of the most threatened ecosystems on the planet. The beautiful forests support a huge diversity of species that humans depend on for survival.

Benefits of Mangrove forests 

  • Provide nursery areas for small fish
  • Provide coastal protection from storms
  • Clean toxins out of the fresh water
  • Reduce carbon dioxide
Mangroves of Senaga Island

Coastal development, rising sea levels, and pollution are the mangrove’s biggest threat. The roots act as nets catching plastic bags, fishing ropes and other marine debris.

Mangrove pollution

Over time the toxic plastic smothers the trees.

Mangrove pollution
Mangrove Pollution

Mangrove roots protect small fish, crustaceans, and sea birds from predators.

Mangrove roots

My two favorite crustaceans of the mangrove mud plats are the Okinawa mud lobster (Thalassina anomala) and the Ryukyu soldier crab (Mictyris guinotae).

(Thalassina anomala)
Mictyris guinotae

Mangroves trees can survive in freshwater and saltwater. They are a valuable ecosystem and must be protected.

Mangrove reflection
Mangrove sunrise

Our waste is having a massive impact on the coastal forests of the Ryukyu Islands. This post is not to make people feel guilty or lose hope. It is to inspire people to change. Make The Switch 4 Nature!

Iriomote coastal mangrove forest

My Mission: To Protect and Preserve the Wildlife of the Ryukyu Islands for Future Generations. – If you would like to join my journey, check out my Patreon https://www.patreon.com/MakeTheSwitch4Nature

Your donations will help conservation initiatives as well as bring solutions to the worldwide pollution issues on our beautiful shorelines. Thank you for your support, Shawn M Miller.

#MakeTheSwitch4Nature

The Habu Hunters of Okinawa


The Taiwanese Habu was introduced to Okinawa in the 1970’s. They were imported for exhibitions and medical purposes. Somehow a few escaped and have populated the Island.  I have seen over a dozen on my night hikes in Onna village.

  • Scientific name: Protobothrops mucrosquamatus
  • Common name: Taiwanese habu or Brown spotted pit viper
  • Habitat: Rock walls, trees, and caves
  • Diet: Frogs, bats, mice, and birds
  • Average size: 80-150cm
Taiwanese babus snakes of Okinawa -Protobothrops mucrosquamatus
Taiwanese habu

The local government is actively trying to eliminate this invasive habu. Live traps are set up all around the Island. Do not open!

Habu traps on Okinawa
Habu trap

Last night, I saw a Taiwanese habu poking its head out of the sugar cane. There was a dead mouse three feet away on the road. I turned the car around and waited for a few minutes with my lights off. Eventually, a small Taiwanese habu slithered out of the field. I was hoping to see the habu eat the mouse. Instinct kicked in and the snake fled the scene. I returned in the morning, and the mouse was gone.

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Dead mouse
Dangerous habu snakes
Taiwanes habu- Onna village

I often find them crossing the road or on sidewalks. It is wise to carry a flashlight on your night walks. The Taiwanese habu is aggressive and highly venomous. If you see one do not try and catch it.

Taiwanese habu- neighborhood at night -Protobothrops mucrosquamatus
Taiwanes habu- Onna village
Taiwanese habu -Onna village, Okinawa
Taiwanese habu -Onna village, Okinawa
Habu snake on a fence
Taiwanes habu- Onna villlage

Okinawa has three species of pit vipers. If you would like to learn more, check out my previous post on the venomous snakes of Okinawa.

This site is also designed to help people identify the beautiful animals of Okinawa, basically to serve as an online nature reference guide. Please consider making a contribution to support my mission

Your donations will help conservation initiatives as well as bring solutions to the worldwide pollution issues on our beautiful shorelines. Thank you for your support, Shawn M Miller.

#MakeTheSwitch4Nature

Thriving Upside Down by Shawn Miller

Randall’s assessor (Assessor randalli) is a rare fish found living in submarine caves. They are usually seen hovering upside down in small groups. The male guards the eggs by keeping them in his mouth until they hatch (mouthbrooders). A challenging fish to find and photograph. These exotic species are sought after by fish collectors.

* This species is named after Ichthyologist John Ernest Randall. 

  • Scientific name: Assessor randalli
  • Common name: Randall’s assessor or Randall’s devilfish
  • Distribution:  Japan-Taiwan
  • Habitat:  Submarine caves
  • Diet: Crabs, shrimp, and fish
  • Average size: 25-40mm
  • Color: Dark blue

Can you see the assessor’s hovering upside down?

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 Why do these fish live upside down?

  • A way to confuse predators
  • Evasive stratedy, making it easier to back into crevises
  • An adaption made for presision swimming among the submarine caves  

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This site is also designed to help people identify the beautiful animals of Okinawa, basically to serve as an online nature reference guide. If you would like to make a contribution to support my mission, please click on the donation link  paypal.me/maketheswitch4nature

Your donations will help conservation initiatives as well as bring solutions to the worldwide pollution issues on our beautiful shorelines. Thank you for your support, Shawn M Miller.

#MakeTheSwitch4Nature

 

 

Gigantic Banana Spiders on Okinawa by Shawn Miller

The golden orb weaver (Nephila pilipesis the largest spider found on Okinawa. They can be found in parks, forests and gardens.  This massive spider is fairly common on Okinawa. 

Always look up!

They usually make their web up high in trees. I have also seen their web in the middle of a trail at eye level.

  • Scientific name:  Nephila pilipes
  • Common Name: Golden orb weaver / banana spider
  • Distribution:  Ryukyu Islands
  • Habitat: Forests, gardens and parks
  • Diet:  Insects
  • Average Size:  Female 17-20cm

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Their web is extremely strong. They have been know to catch small bats, cicadas and a variety of large insects

This species displays sexual dimorphism, The female is much larger than the male.
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Nephila pilipes fluoresces under ultraviolet light. The fluorescence serves as a warning sign for large animals.  Making a spider web this size takes a lot of time and effort. 

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This site is also designed to help people identify the beautiful animals of Okinawa, basically to serve as an online nature reference guide. If you would like to make a contribution to support my mission, please click on the donation link  paypal.me/maketheswitch4nature

Your donations will help conservation initiatives as well as bring solutions to the worldwide pollution issues on our beautiful shorelines.  Thank you for your support, Shawn M Miller.

#MakeTheSwitch4Nature

I Finally Found the Yanbaru Kuina

When I tell people I am a nature photographer, they often ask me if I have ever seen a Yanbaru kuina. Friends are always so excited to tell me that they found a Yanbaru kuina in central Okinawa. I feel bad telling them the bad news. More than likely, they found a common moorhen. The common moorhen is often mistaken for the Yanbaru kuina.

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The Common Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus) has a bright red head shield, yellow legs with distinctive white feathers underneath. The Common moorhen is found near marshes, local parks and small rivers. This bird is very common in Okinawa

  • Scientific name:  Gallinula chloropus
  • Common Name: Common moorhen
  • Distribution:  Okinawan wide
  • Habitat: City parks, rivers and creeks 
  • Diet: Vegetation and small aquatic animals 
  • Average Size:   30 to 37 cm

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The Difference:  The Yanbaru kuina ( Okinawa rail ) has an orange beak with bright orange legs. The underneath is black with white bars.

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The Yanbaru kuina is a flightless bird found in northern Okinawa. It is a protected species and declared a living natural treasure. It is currently listed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as an endangered species.  In 2012 populations of this endemic bird were estimated at 1500 by the Environment Ministry.  As of October 2016 populations have declined to 480 mature individuals according to IUCN assessment.

  • Scientific name:  Hypotaenidia okinawae
  • Common Name: Okinawa Rail
  • Japanese Name: Yanbaru kuina 
  • Distribution:  Northern Okinawa
  • Habitat: Forests
  • Diet:  Small insects, worms, snails and fruit. 
  • Average Size:  31cm 
  • Threats: Habitat loss, and the threat of mongoose and feral cats.

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 My Mission: To Document and Preserve the Wildlife of the Ryukyu Islands

This site is also designed to help people identify the beautiful animals of Okinawa, basically to serve as an online nature reference guide. If you would like to make a contribution to support my mission, please click on the donation link 

Your donations will help conservation initiatives as well as bring solutions to the worldwide pollution issues on our beautiful shorelines.  Thank you for your support, Shawn M Miller.

#MakeTheSwitch4Nature

 

Light & Motion Sola Photo 1200 – The Ultimate Focus Light For Night Divers

The Light & Motion Sola Photo 1200 is the most popular modeling light used for underwater macro photography. I have been using Sola lights for over seven years now. All Light & Motion lights are easy to use, lightweight, and reliable. My favorite feature of the Sola Photo 1200 is the red light option. This feature enables the user to photograph marine life without disturbing them. Some marine animals do not see red light.

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Sola 1200 focus light

Best features of the L&M Sola Photo 1200 

  • Factory sealed body ensures flood-free performance
  • Compatible with a ball mount, ys mount and loc-line
  • SOS mode – Emergency function
  • Adjustable light output -1200 lumens (white light max)
  • Red light feature

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Nauticam housing – Nikon D500

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Nudibranch and Sola 1200

The red light feature works outstanding underwater. Get creative with blending red and white light during your dives.

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Sea cucumber Art

The red light feature works great for photographing nudibranch’s, sea turtles, and cephalopods during night-dives. These animals are less affected by the red light. 

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Nauticam and Sola 1200

Check out the eye of the cuttlefish. The pupil is wide open (dilated)

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Photographed using the Sola 1200 (red)

With white light, the pupil is constricted. The cuttlefish looks irritated by the bright light.

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Photographed using the Sola 1200 (white)

Below are a few photographs of my dive buddies using the red feature.

Motion sickness (In camera triple exposure)

Multiple exposure Ie Island

Scuba-diving with a spin (RCS)

Scuba-diving with a spin

If you would like to test the Sola Photo 1200, please let me know. Friends and supporters – Save 20% off your first Light & Motion purchase https://prz.io/648x6bGC1

Learn more about this product and accessories offered at the Light & Motion Website.

Shawn Miller Underwater by Russell Gilbert

I want to thank TokinaLight & Motion, Nightseaand Black Fin Grouper for all their continuous support over the years.

#MakeTheSwitch4Nature

Designated Flora and Fauna of Okinawa Prefecture

Okinawa is a subtropical paradise with warm weather and beautiful beaches. The Island has some of the best scuba diving in the world. Okinawa is rich in natural scenery. We have a variety of endemic species only found here.

 Designated Flora and Fauna of Okinawa Prefectural

(1) The Double-lined fusilier (Pterocaesio digrammawas designated as Okinawa’s prefectural fish in 1972. The Gurukun (local name) is the most popular fish served in local restaurants. The small fish has two distinctive bright yellow lines running along the body.  Found in large schools over coral reefs.

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Double-lines fusilier – Nightdive

They can change color and pattern to avoid detection on the reef.

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Banafish (Pterocaesio digramma)

 (2)  The Deigo flower (Indian coral bean) was designated as Okinawa’s prefectural flower in 1972. The elegant flowers bloom in March, April and May. The sweet smell attracts a variety of insects, fruit bats, and birds during the season.

Deigo tree

Deigo tree

The sweet smell attracts a variety of insects, fruit bats, and birds during the season.

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Deigo flower (Indian coral bean)

(3) The Okinawan woodpecker (Dendrocopos noguchii) was designated as Okinawa’s prefectural bird in 1972. This beautiful woodpecker is a living natural treasure of Japan.  Populations of the critically endangered species are declining rapidly.

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Okinawan woodpecker (Dendrocopos noguchii)

A few photographs of the Okinawa woodpecker (prefectural bird) feeding on the Deigo flower (prefectural flower).

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Okinawan woodpecker and Deigo flower

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Okinawan woodpecker and Deigo flower

The Okinawan woodpecker was featered in National Geographic for the series Wildlife as canon sees it (May 2015)

Okinawa Woodpecker by Shawn Miller 

(4)  The Ryukyu pine tree (Pinus Luchuensis Mayr) was designated as Okinawa’s prefectural tree in 1972.

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Zakimi pine forest

Nento Hiramatsu is the oldest pine tree located on Iheya Island. This beautiful pine tree is listed as a living natural treasure of Japan.

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Nento Hiramatsu, Iheya Island

The beautiful Ryukyu Pine forest at Zakimi Castle.

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Ryukyu Pine trees – Zakimi

The Okinawa woodpecker (prefectural bird) searching for insects on The Ryukyu pine tree (prefectural tree). The Okinawa woodpecker is native to the Yanbaru forest in northern Okinawa.

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Okinawa woodpecker and Ryukyu Pine

I love the natural shapes of the Ryukyu Pine trees. (Natures fine art)

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Ryukyu Pine on Ie Island

My Mission: To Protect and Preserve the Wildlife of the Ryukyu Islands for Future Generations

 

Your donations will help conservation initiatives as well as bring solutions to the worldwide pollution issues on our beautiful shorelines.  Thank you for your support, Shawn M Miller.

#MakeTheSwitch4Nature

The Paintpot Cuttlefish – Cephalopods in Okinawa

The Paintpot cuttlefish (Metasepia tulbergi) is one of the most beautiful marine animals in Okinawa. The skin of the paintpot cuttlefish is toxic (poisonous) if consumed. The paintpot cuttlefish contains a neurotoxin called tetrodotoxin (venom) used to paralyze its prey. Avoid handling or harassing this beautiful animal. If bitten, seek immediate medical treatment.
  • Scientific name: Metasepia tulbergi
  • Common name:  Paintpot cuttlefish or flamboyant
  • Distribution:  Ryukyu Islands
  • Habitat:  Sandy bottom and coral reefs
  • Diet: Crabs, shrimp, and fish
  • Average size: 50-80mm
  • Color: Golden-yellow with red coloration
DSC_4989 Cool facts about the Paintpot Cuttlefish  
  1. They have eight arms and two tentacles
  2. They are capable of producing a dark cloud of ink to escape from predators
  3. They have a parrot-like beak used for eating prey
  4. They use jet propulsion to move quickly through the water
  5. They can change their texture, pattern, color, and shape
  6. They use their arms to walk on the sand
  7. They are considered venomous and poisonous
When threatened, the paintpot cuttlefish produces vibrant colors to warn predators that they are toxic. The scientific term for this is aposematism. DSC_8214 They have a two-part parrot-like beak used for feeding. Cephalopod Beak Cephalopods can produce a cloud of ink to confuse and escape from predators when threatened. Cephalopod ink Below is a sequence of images, displaying their ability to change texture, shape, and color. They are masters of camouflage. An example of how well they blend into their environment. DSC_8207DSC_8208If detected or threatened, they will display colorful warning signs. DSC_8209DSC_8211

Every year, I look forward to finding the gigantic paintpot cuttlefish named Paintpot-Zilla. 20130617-DSC_0519-2

My Mission: To Protect and Preserve the Wildlife of the Ryukyu Islands for Future Generations

If you would like to help me make a difference Please check out my Patreon Site https://www.patreon.com/MakeTheSwitch4Nature

Your donations will help conservation initiatives as well as bring solutions to the worldwide pollution issues on our beautiful shorelines.  Thank you for your support, Shawn M Miller.

#MakeTheSwitch4Nature

Poisonous Plants of Okinawa

A great way to combat stress is to get outdoors and exercise daily (Nature Therapy). I enjoy hiking through the jungle, beach walking, scuba diving, swimming, and riding my mountain bike. It’s important to be familiar with the dangers related to all your outdoor adventures. If you are new to the Island, make sure you are familiar with the poisonous plants (below), toxic caterpillarsvenomous snakes, and the hazardous marine life on Okinawa.

Sago Palm Sunset

Sago Palm and Sunset

The Sago Palm (Cycas revolute) is an abundant plant found in Okinawa. All parts of the plant are extremely toxic. If ingested seek immediate medical treatment.

The orange seeds look inviting but are extremely toxic. Do not eat this fruit!

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Toxic orange seeds

The male plant resembles a large pine cone.

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Male Sago Palm

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Sago Palm leaves

Moses in the Cradle (Tradescantia spathacea) is an invasive plant found in Okinawa. All parts of the plant are poisonous. Avoid touching or ingesting this plant. If ingested seek immediate medical treatment

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Moses in the Cradle

Contact with the plant sap will cause severe itching and redness of the skin. I found out the hard way!

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Moses in the Cradle injury

Illegal dumping is an ongoing problem in Okinawa.  Introduced species create a huge problem for native wildlife.

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The elephant ear (Colocasia sp) is an abundant plant found growing everywhere in Okinawa.  Contact with the plant sap will cause itching and redness of the skin. Avoid touching or ingesting this wild plant.

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Elephant ear

The sea mango (Cebera manghas) is a common poisonous plant found in Okinawa. I often find these plants growing on the side of the road. All parts of the plant are poisonous. Avoid touching or ingesting this plant. If ingested seek immediate medical treatment 

The fruit looks inviting but is extremely toxic. Do not eat this fruit!

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The sea mango

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The sea mango plant

The Oleander plant (Nerium oleander) is an introduced plant found in Okinawa. The decorative plant is usually planted close to fence lines.  All parts of the plant are poisonous.  Avoid touching or ingesting this plant. If ingested seek immediate medical treatment.

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Oleander plant (Nerium oleander)

 My Mission: To Document and Preserve the Wildlife of the Ryukyu Islands

This site is also designed to help people identify the beautiful animals of Okinawa, basically to serve as an online nature reference guide. If you would like to make a contribution to support my mission, please click on the donation link  paypal.me/maketheswitch4nature

 Your donations will help conservation initiatives as well as bring solutions to the worldwide pollution issues on our beautiful shorelines.  Thank you for your support, Shawn M Miller.

 #MakeTheSwitch4Nature

Gigantic Hermit Crabs Found On Okinawa

Last year, a friend and I stumbled upon a local beach with gigantic hermit crabs. All of the hermit crabs were found adapting with non-native seashells.

Indonesian hermit crab (Coenbita brevimanus)

Indonesian hermit crab (Coenbita brevimanus)

Where did these shells come from?  The shell shack

The shell shack is an old wooden shed filled with boxes of imported craft shells from the Philippines. The hermit crabs found an opening and took advantage of this real estate.

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Polished muffin (Ryssota ovum)

The most abundant shell was the polished muffin (Ryssota ovum) land snail. This shell is native to the Philippines and is twice the size of any land snail on Okinawa. The muffin shell is a perfect mobile home for the land hermit crabs. It’s lightweight, durable and large.

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perspective photograph

The hermit crabs were healthy and doing well. I didn’t see any hermit crabs adapting with plastic or any twist top caps.

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Land hermit crab (Coenobita cavipes)

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Land hermit crab (Coenobita cavipes)

I also found hermit crabs adapting with a variety of marine shells from the Philippines at the same location.

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Babylonia arealata (Coenobita purpureus)

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hexaplex cichoreum (Coenobita cavipes)

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Volema carinifera (Coenobita cavipes)

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Melanella candida (Coenobita purpureus)

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Casmaria erinaceus (Coenobita purpureus)

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hexaplex cichoreum (Coenobita purpureus)

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Turbo chrysostomus (Coenobita purpureus)

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Tonna sulcosa (Coenobita cavipes)

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Learn more about hermit crabs and adaptive behavior ” Crabs with beach trash homes

My Mission: To Protect and Preserve the Wildlife of the Ryukyu Islands for Future Generations. – If you would like to join my journey, check out my Patreon https://www.patreon.com/MakeTheSwitch4Nature

Your donations will help conservation initiatives as well as bring solutions to the worldwide pollution issues on our beautiful shorelines.  Thank you for your support, Shawn M Miller.

#MakeTheSwitch4Nature