Crown of Thorns Starfish – Hazardous Starfish of Okinawa by Shawn Miller

Posted on June 28, 2018 by Admin11

The crown of thorns starfish (Ancanthaster planci) plays an important role in the underwater world. They generally feed on the fastest growing corals, allowing the slower growing coral to establish ground. They are the coral moderators, the gardeners of the sea and help increase the diversity of coral species on the reef.

Mature Crown of thorns starfish © Shawn Miller

Animals that feed on coral are known as corallivores.

Natural coral bleaching © Shawn Miller

In Okinawa, we have a variety of Corallivorous marine snails ( Drupella sp). These small snails have also caused serious damage to coral reefs.

Corallivorous snails © Shawn Miller

The venomous sea star has sharply pointed spines that deliver a painful sting. The spines inject venom which causes extreme pain, discomfort and nausea. Most injuries occur because recreation Scuba divers cut up the starfish with a dive knife and the spine penetrates the hand. The starfish serves a purpose in the ecosystem so leave it alone. They are a native marine animal of the Ryukyu Islands.

COTS of Okinawa © Shawn Miller

COTS venomous spines © Shawn Miller

In Okinawa, we have had massive COTS outbreaks in the past. These outbreaks have devastated some of the most beautiful shallow water coral reefs.

Juvenile COTS feeding © Shawn Miller

Possible Outbreak Causes

A natural cycle of nature
The decrease in natural predators that feed on COTS
Increase in food source caused by agricultural runoff, causing a blooming effect.

Coral crabs are one of the natural protectors of the coral reef. The coral provides shelter and food for the coral crabs. The crabs are on call to defend against the coral-eating starfish and other marine predators.

Coral crabs (Calcinus minutus) © Shawn Miller

Coral crabs (Cymo melanodactylus) © Shawn Miller

Protective Coral crab (Trapezia sepata) © Shawn Miller

Coral hermit crab (Pagurita vittata) © Shawn Miller

Gall coral crabs © Shawn Miller

COTS have many natural predators. Over the last twenty-five years, I have observed marine snails, harlequin shrimp, sea anemones and fish feeding on healthy and injured COTS in the wild. I was not able to get photographs of all of this behavior taking place, many natural observations occurred before I purchased an underwater camera.

Marine snails feeding on COTS © Shawn Miller

The trident trumpet (Charonia tritonis) is sought after by fisherman and shell collectors worldwide. The meat is a popular food source and the beautiful shell is valuable.

These large snails are capable of eating mature COTS. Overtaking has reduced populations of this of this predatory snail. More effort needs to be directed to the protection of this species. I have personally observed populations drastically decline over the years.

Trident trumpet © Shawn Miller

Trident trumpet feeding © Shawn Miller

The Harlequin shrimp feed on juvenile COTS in the wild and captivity. Harlequin shrimp populations are decreasing as well due to the over-collecting for the pet trade market.

Harlequin shrimp feeding © Shawn Miller

Sea anemones are vicious predators and known to feed on the crown of thorns as well.

Sea anemone © Shawn Miller

Red soil runoff contributes to coral reef bleaching and fertilizers entering the water. Could fertilizers, sewage or pollution really be the cause for a massive bloom in plankton causing an outbreak of healthy numbers of baby COTS?

Okinawa agricultural runoff © Shawn Miller

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

Make The Switch For Nature By Shawn Miller

Featured

Posted on June 22, 2018 by Admin11

“Crabs with beach trash homes” was featured in one of the most influential issues of National Geographic Magazine of all time. June 2018 National Geographic launched Planet or Plastic. This powerful issue focuses on bringing awareness to the worldwide plastic pollution problem and efforts to reduce the single-use plastic waste.

Planet or Plastic June 2018 featured © Shawn Miller

June 2018, National Geographic replaced the plastic cover with a paper cover ( PEFC-Certified Paper ) that can be recycled. This is a huge step in reducing the big problem of single-use plastic pollution in our oceans one small step at a time. The Editors did an outstanding job on this powerful ocean impact issue of National Geographic.

Below left is the new paper cover and on the right is the previous plastic cover

National Geographic Paper wrap © Shawn Miller

What a powerful National Geographic cover by Artist Jorge Gambo. The cover is a plastic bag resembling and Iceberg. This is one of the best covers of all time in my opinion. I was fortunate to get my hands on a Japanese issue as well.

Planet Or Plastic Cover

Excited and honored to have one of my photographs from Okinawa featured in the National Geographic Planet or Plastic Exhibition at the Church of Santa Maria della Vita in Bologna, Italy. Exhibition Date: 04/15/2019 – 09/22/2019

Photograph by Paolo Righi

Planet or Plastic Iconic Photographs

Learn more about reducing waste and making a difference. TEDx OIST Talk – Adapting to Our Changing Environment by Shawn Miller

If you would like to see more of my work in National Geographic Magazine, below are four powerful issues that featured the Endangered Species of Okinawa. (WILDLIFE AS CANON SEES IT)

Anderson’s crocodile newt by Shawn Miller. 11/2020 National Geographic

Amami Oshima frog by Shawn Miller. 08/2019 National Geographic

Kuroiwa’s Ground Gecko by Shawn Miller. 10/2017 National Geographic

Okinawa woodpecker by Shawn Miller. 05/2015 National Geographic

People often ask me what is the purpose of conservation photography? Having the ability to affect some form of positive change in the environment and make a global difference with the photographs. Hopefully, the images will inspire people to care more about nature and make a positive difference in the environment.

Let’s Make The Switch 4 Nature before it’s too late

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

Get Fa-Millerized with the Nature of the Ryukyu Islands – – – – SUBSCRIBE BELOW

White Jawed Frog – Amphibians of the Ryukyu Islands by Shawn Miller

Posted on June 21, 2018 by Admin11

The White Jawed Frog (Polypedates leucomystax leucomystax) is an invasive species found throughout the Ryukyu Islands. I have photographed this introduced tree frog on Okinawa, Ie, Izena, Kume island.

Scientific name: Polypedates leucomystax leucomystax
Common name: White Jawed Frog
Distribution: Okinawa, Kume, and Iheya and Ie Island.
Habitat: Forest, farm fields, drainage ditches, and ponds
Diet: Insects
Average size: 45mm-70mm
Color: Brown with a white line on the upper lip

White Jawed Frog © Shawn Miller

I often find these frogs hanging out on fences, concrete walls, farming buckets and other manmade structures. They usually stay up high to avoid the threat of snakes.

The White Jawed frog hunting © Shawn Miller

Sometimes habu snakes climb these fences in search of a meal. Majority of the time the snakes are unsuccessful.

Venomous Habu Snake © Shawn Miller

Tree frogs have the ability to inflate into a defensive posture, making themselves appear too large to eat.

Frog defensive posture © Shawn Miller

It is extremely rare to see snakes eating in the wild. If you catch this moment in nature consider yourself lucky.

Snake Predation © Shawn Miller

The breeding season in Okinawa stretches from May through August.

Mating pair Yanbaru forest © Shawn Miller

Mating fogs © Shawn Miller

They construct a foam nest above a still water source. The foam liquefies when the eggs are ready to hatch.

Cluster of mating frogs ,Iphone 8 and Light and Motion sola 1200

A cluster of mating frogs © Shawn Miller

Photographed on white for the Meet Your Neighbours Global Biodiversity Project. All images are used for awareness and educational purposes.

White Jawed Frog (Polypedates leucomystax leucomystax)

MYN Project Okinawa © Shawn Miller

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

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

Searching for the Amami Rabbit by Shawn Miller

Posted on June 18, 2018 by Admin11

The Amami Rabbit (Pentalagus furnessi) is an endangered species found on Amami and Tokuno Island. This rare species is a living national treasure of Japan and is currently listed as endangered on the IUCN red list of threatened species. It’s biggest threats are deforestation, feral cats, dogs and the introduced mongoose.

Scientific Name: Pentalagus furnessi
Common Name: Amami or Ryukyu Rabbit
Japanese name: Amamino kuro usagi
Distribution: Amami and Tokuno Island
Habitat: Dense mountain forest
Diet: Plants, shrubs, bark, and acorns
Average size: 45cm
Threats: Deforestation and the mongoose

Amami Rabbit (Pentalagus furnessi) © Shawn Miller

We initially had some trouble finding the Amami Rabbit. We knew we were close once we started finding fresh rabbit droppings and a black insect that resembled a dung beetle.

Fresh Ryukyu rabbit pellets © Shawn Miller

Possible Dung beetle © Shawn Miller

We were fortunate to see over thirty rabbits during our night drive. We even found a photogenic juvenile feeding on leaves. The cute baby rabbits are referred to as kittens or kits.

Amami Rabbit (Pentalagus furnessi) © Shawn Miller

It is illegal to capture or trap this small-eared Island rabbit. Both Islands are doing a great job protecting this threatened species and the forest it lives in.

Amami Rabbit (Pentalagus furnessi) © Shawn Miller

The mongoose is the biggest threat to the wildlife of the Ryukyu Islands. It was introduced to the Ryukyu Islands in the1900’s In order to reduce the venomous habu populations. All the islands are still battling this never ending problem.

Mongoose ( Hepestes javanicus )

All the photographs of the Amami rabbit were taken from the car through the back seat window. In the beginning, I had difficulty with the cameras autofocus system. The rabbits were far away and left the scene after three- ten seconds. I adapted by mounting a Light&Motion GoBe light with a 500 search head to my tripod collar. This allowed the autofocus system to be extremely responsive using the Canon EF100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM.

Amami night adventures setup © Shawn Miller

Light&Motion GoBe https://www.lightandmotion.com/choose-your-light/gobe

Let’s work together to protect the beauty of the Ryukyu Islands. Have a great day!

Gall Crabs – Coral-Inhabiting Micro Crabs of Okinawa

Posted on June 16, 2018 by Admin11

Gall crabs are coral-dwelling crabs that spend their entire life living inside a hole of the hard coral. These micro crabs are only 7mm-10mm in size. They are hard to find and photograph due to their small size.

Gall crab in Favia Coral © Shawn Miller

These tiny crabs are considered to be safe keepers or guardians of the hard coral. The gall crabs defend against coral eating predators such as starfish and snails. The coral provides shelter and food, making it an ideal habitat for the micro coral-dwelling gall crab. I have found these crabs in a variety of coral species in Okinawa. They are usually found in shallow water corals, but recently I found a healthy colony of crabs at sixty-five feet.

Gall crab claws out © Shawn Miller

Large algae covered gall crab © Shawn Miller

Gall crab closeup © Shawn Miller

If you’re lucky you might see a gall crab searching for food during the night.

Unidentified gall crab © Shawn Miller

Gall crab searching for food © Shawn Miller

Unidentified gall crab © Shawn Miller

The only reason I found this beauty was because she was leaving the gall to release her eggs.

Some of the gall crabs fluoresce using the specialized Light & Motion Nightsea underwater blue light.

After the crabs die, the galls become a new shelter opportunity for snails, fish, and reef crabs.

Prime Coral real estate © Shawn Miller

Bicolor blenny in coral - fish of okinawa

Bicolor blenny in coral © Shawn Miller

Yaeyama blenny © Shawn Miller

Blenny in coral gall © Shawn Miller

Blenny in coral gall © Shawn Miller

I found this hard coral washed up on Iheya Island. Look close and you can see that hole made by the gall crab.

Stony coral and gall

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

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

Searching for The Blue Ringed Octopus at Maeda Misaki -Okinawa

Posted on June 10, 2018 by Admin11

The Blue Ringed Octopus (Hapalochlaena lunulata) is one of the most beautiful marine animals in Okinawa. It’s only the size of a golf ball, but extremely venomous.

- Scientific name: Hapalochlaena lunulata

- Common name: Blue-ringed octopus

- Distribution: Ryukyu Islands

- Habitat: Tide pools and shallow water coral reefs

- Diet: Crabs, shrimps, and fish

- Average size: 8-12cm

Color: Golden-yellow with blue rings

Blue Ringed Octopus © Shawn Miller

Interesting facts about octopuses in general

Yes- you got it. The plural of octopus is octopuses.
They are capable of producing a dark cloud of ink to escape from predators
They have a parrot-like beak used for eating prey
Octopuses have eight arms and are capable of regrowing them
They use jet propulsion to move quickly through the water
The Blue-ringed octopus can kill a human with one bite

I first photographed the Blue-ringed octopus at Maeda point in 2011. This intense octopus was published on National Geographic Your Shot Daily Dozen.

Blue-ringed octopus -Nat Geo © Shawn Miller

They are hard to find due to their small size. Persistence, patience, luck and a diving with a buddy with good eyes will increase your chances.

Blue-ringed octopus © Shawn Miller

Blue-ringed octopus on a shell © Shawn Miller

Blue-ringed octopus blending in © Shawn Miller

Blue Ringed Octopus © Shawn Miller

Blue-ringed Octopus spread out © Shawn Miller

Mating season occurs in the summer months. A rare event that happens quickly.

Octopus mating © Shawn Miller

People often ask me what is your most memorable experience underwater. Definitely swimming along the reef with a Blue-ringed Octopus.

Blue-ringed octopus swimming © Shawn Miller

The difficult part is locking on focus and photographing it when the moment happens.

Blue-ringed octopus in open water © Shawn Miller

Cephalopods can produce a cloud of ink to confuse and escape from predators when threatened

Cephalopod ink blob © Shawn Miller

My dive & jive buddy spotted this Blue-ringed octopus feeding on a crustacean during a night dive recently.

Blue-ringed Octopus feeding © Shawn Miller

The two-part parrot-like beak cephalopods use for feeding.

Cephalopod Beak © Shawn Miller

The single Blue-ringed Ocellated octopus (Octopus ocellatus) is scarce in Okinawa. I have seen and documented only one live animal.

Ocellated Blue-ringed Octopus © Shawn Miller

If you would like to increase your chances of getting better photographs of Cephlapods, I recommend using the Light & Motion Sola 1200 underwater modeling light. The red light feature allows the user to get in close without disturbing the marine life.

Underwater setup with sola 600

Anyone in Okinawa that would like to try a Light&Motion Sola light, I will gladly let you test one of my personal lights on a night dive.

Learn more about the Light & Motion Sola series. http://www.lightandmotion.com/choose-your-light/sola

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

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 Red-eared slider – Introduced animals of Okinawa by Shawn Miller

Posted on June 4, 2018 by Admin11

The Red-eared slider (Trachemys scripta elegans) is found throughout the Ryukyu Islands to include Mainland Japan. It was introduced in the 1950s by the pet trade market and is still sold in pet shops here in Okinawa.

Scientific name: Trachemys scripta elegans
Common name: Red-eared slider turtle
Distribution: Introduced to most of Japan and the Ryukyu Islands
Habitat: Ponds, drainage ditches, rice paddies and farm fields.
Diet: Insects, fish, frogs, snails, and plants
Average size: 20-28cm
Color: Brown and yellow with a bright red temporal blotch

Before you purchase one of these turtles make sure you are committed to taking care of it for a very long time. They can live for over thirty years. A big problem is people frequently abandon these aquatic turtles in local ponds and rivers. The introduced turtles compete with all native animals. Eventually, causing a negative impact on the environment.

I often find the Red-eared slider sunbaking on logs and rocks

The Red-eared slider Okinawa © Shawn Miller

We found this Red-eared slider painted silver at the Comprehensive park. Cruel, not cool!

Silver painted turtle- Comprehensive Park © Shawn Miller

These turtles are considered the most abandoned pet in the world. The local zoos often end up taking care of these abandoned reptiles.

Abandoned turtles- Okinawa city zoo

I found this cute hatchling crossing the road in Yomitan.

Turtle hatchling © Shawn Miller

An Albino turtle I photographed at a local Pet shop in Okinawa.

Albino Red-eared slide © Shawn Miller

Photographed on white for the Meet Your Neighbours Biodiversity Project. All images are used for educational purposes

MYN technique © Shawn Miller

A large Red-eared slider catching some rays at the Ginowan convention center pond. A balancing act!

Check out that balance- Turtle Yoga with a smile!

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

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

Okinawan Tree Lizards of the Ryukyu Islands by Shawn Miller

Posted on June 1, 2018 by Admin11

The Okinawan tree lizard (Japarula polygonata polygonata) is found throughout the Ryukyu Islands. It is listed as Vulnerable on The Okinawa Red Data Book of threatened species. Habitat destruction and collection have greatly reduced the populations of the beautiful reptile.

- Scientific name: Japarula polygonata polygonata

- Common name: Okinawan tree lizard or Monkey lizard

- Distribution: Ryukyu Islands

- Habitat: Trees and bushes

- Diet: Insects

- Average size: 17-27cm

Color: Green and yellow

A great place to see this beautiful lizard is in the Yanbaru forest.

If you’re lucky you can find one eating an insect or two.

Okinawan tree lizard feeding on a tiger beetle

Sometimes the monkey lizard is not so lucky. It is the Ryukyu odd-toothed snakes favorite meal.

Photographed on white for the Meet Your Neighbours global biodiversity project. All images are used for conservation awareness and educational purposes.

Japarula polygonata polygonata -MYN Project

This was the first time I found a pair sleeping in a spider monkey fern tree.

Japalura polygonata ishigakiensis is a subspecies found on Ishigaki and Iriomote Island.

Face closeup -Japalura polygonata ishigakiensis

A closeup of the protective scales.

Please pay attention to crossing wildlife.

Amami tree lizard crossing the road

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

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

Asian Yellow Pond Turtle – Reptiles of the Ryukyu Islands by Shawn Miller

Posted on May 27, 2018 by Admin11

The Asian Yellow Pond Turtle (Mauremys mutica) is found throughout the Ryukyu Islands. It is listed as an endangered species on the IUCN list of threatened species.

Scientific name: Mauremys mutica
Common name: Asian Yellow Pond Turtle
Distribution: Ryukyu Islands
Habitat: Ponds, drainage ditches, rice paddies and farm fields.
Diet: Insects, fish, frogs, snails, plants, and algae
Average size: 15-20cm
Color: Brown or Olive-yellow

The Juvenile Asian yellow pond turtle in its natural habitat.

A face-closeup of this shy turtle

Breeding season usually takes place during the months of March and April.

Asian Yellow Pond Turtles mating

An adult feeding on a non-native tilapia fish.

Asian Yellow Pond Turtle (Mauremys mutica)

I usually find this turtle crossing the road at night or early in the morning.

This was a large turtle with a previous injury more than likely caused by a vehicle. Look close to see the cracking in the shell.

The truth is I have seen more of these turtles dead than alive. Please watch your speed and pay close attention to crossing wildlife.

Asian yellow pond turtle, Okinawa Asian yellow pond turtle, Okinawa © Shawn Miller

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

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

Okinawa Toxic Caterpillars by Shawn Miller

Posted on March 23, 2018 by Admin11

Think twice before you touch any of the beautiful hairy caterpillars on Okinawa. I have been stung at least four times. Some of the attractive caterpillars are toxic, the spines deliver a painful sting and irritate the skin. It will form red rash, itch badly and annoy you more than anything. If you find yourself having a severe allergic reaction seek medical attention immediately.

Eventually, the caterpillar will transform into a beautiful moth.

March 2018, Some friends were exploring some waterfalls and a tiny caterpillar fell off a tree and landed right on the back of my neck. I knew exactly what it was when it happened. It felt like my neck was on fire, it was similar to the sting of a marine fireworm.

A few more of the hairy caterpillars found in Northern Okinawa.

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

Your donations will help worldwide 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

Okinawa Nature Photography

沖縄自然写真 By Shawn Miller

Category Archives: Animals of Okinawa

Crown of Thorns Starfish – Hazardous Starfish of Okinawa by Shawn Miller

Make The Switch For Nature By Shawn Miller

Featured

White Jawed Frog – Amphibians of the Ryukyu Islands by Shawn Miller

Searching for the Amami Rabbit by Shawn Miller

Gall Crabs – Coral-Inhabiting Micro Crabs of Okinawa

Searching for The Blue Ringed Octopus at Maeda Misaki -Okinawa

The Red-eared slider – Introduced animals of Okinawa by Shawn Miller

Okinawan Tree Lizards of the Ryukyu Islands by Shawn Miller

Asian Yellow Pond Turtle – Reptiles of the Ryukyu Islands by Shawn Miller

Okinawa Toxic Caterpillars by Shawn Miller