I Finally Found the Yanbaru Kuina

Posted on November 9, 2019 by Admin11

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.

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

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

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.

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

Searching for the Amami Oshima Frog by Shawn Miller

Posted on August 3, 2019 by Admin11

The Amami Oshima frog is featured in National Geographic this month for the series ” Wildlife As Canon Sees It “

The Amami Oshima Frog (Odorrana splendida) is considered the most beautiful frog found in Japan. It is only found on Amami Island and is listed as an endangered species. It is one of the many endemic species facing extinction due to habitat loss. This protected species is designated as a living national treasure of Okinawa.

Scientific name: Odorrana splendida
Distribution: Amami Island
Habitat: Forest streams
Diet: Insects, worms, and millipedes
Average Size: 90mm-110mm

We were on the Island for a short period of time but managed to see eight Amami Oshima frogs. It rained the entire time but that didn’t stop us, we were on the mission to find the endemic species. I explored the island with Zoologist Valdimir Dinets and bat Scientist Jason Preble. We were fortunate to see the Amami rabbit, Amami Jay, Owston’s woodpecker, Hime habu, Ryukyu robin, Amami woodcock, Amami Spiny rat, Otton frog, Amami tip-nosed frog, Whip scorpion, Wood pigeon, Coral snake, Crocodile newt and the banded ground gecko endemic to Tokunoshima. Below are some of my favorite images of the Amami Oshima frog in it’s natural habitat.

We also found a small pond with Amami Oshima tadpoles.

Please pay attention wildlife crossing the roads at night.

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

Frogs of Okinawa by Shawn Miller

Posted on June 23, 2019 by Admin11

Individuals that study amphibians are know as herpetologists. The act of searching for these beautiful animals is known as herping. Okinawa has twelve species of frogs. They all have the ability to live in the water and on the land. Most are nocturnal and feed on insects during the night. They are found in local parks, forests, streams, puddles, and on the road at times.

If you would like to learn more about a specific frog, I attached a link above each photograph. Links in red are endangered species.

Rana ulma – Ryukyu brown frog

Babina holsti – Holsts frog

Odorrana ishikawae – Ishikawa’s frog

Limnonectes namiyei – Namie’s frog

Hyla halowelii – Hallowell’s tree frog

Odorrana narina – Ryukyu Tip-nosed Frog

Rhacophorus viridis viridis – Okinawa green tree frog

Rana limnocharis limnocharis – Asian grass frog

Polypedates leucomystax leucomystax – White jawed frog

Microhyla okinavensis – The Ornate narrow-mouth frog

Buegeria japonica – Ryukyu Kajika frog

Rana catesbeiana – American bullfrog

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.

Birding and Plastic Dreams by Shawn Miller

Posted on May 17, 2019 by Admin11

Birding is one of the most popular hobbies for all ages. I find it enjoyable and extremely relaxing. It doesn’t matter where I go on Okinawa, I seem to find beautiful animals and trash. The animals have been forced to live with our single use waste. Below are some of my documentation photographs of animals surrounded by our waste.

Plastic Okinawa © Shawn Miller

Birding Okinawa © Shawn Miller

Birding Okinawa © Shawn Miller

Birding Okinawa © Shawn Miller

You can see how a bird could accidentally confuse single use plastic for actual fish. Now days, majority of marine birds have some form of plastic inside their stomachs.

Plastic pollution © Shawn Miller

This Gull arrived on Okinawa February 2016 with oil residue on its feathers. It spent most of the day bathing in the salt water trying to shake of the oil.

Birding © Shawn Miller

Plastic bag © Shawn Miller

Crab trash @Shawn Miller

Jungle crow and plastic

Even the endangered Okinawa rail (Gallirallus okinawae) has to deal with our waste.

Okinawa rail (Gallirallus okinawae) © Shawn Miller

Roadside streams are a great place to photograph waterbirds. This may look like a small waterfall but it’s actually a huge piece of plastic, beautiful isn’t it?

Plastic waterfalls © Shawn Miller

This post is not to make people sad, guilty or lose hope, It is to bring awareness to the ongoing trash problem in our oceans and on our shorelines. We all have the ability to make a difference by reducing the amount of single-use items we use daily.

The truth hurts © Shawn Miller

Learn more about making a difference, TEDx talk | Adapting to or Changing Environment by Shawn M Miller

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 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.

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

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!

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

Sunrise – Kin Marsh, Okinawa © Shawn Miller

The Juvenile Asian yellow pond turtle in its natural habitat.

Asian yellow pond turtle, Onna Village © Shawn Miller

A face-closeup of this shy turtle

Asian yellow pond turtle, Okinawa © Shawn Miller

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.

Asian Yellow Brown Pond Turtle © Shawn Miller

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.

A roadside survivor © Shawn Miller

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

Asian yellow pond turtle © Shawn Miller

Road Kill -Watch your speed © 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.

Whale Watching Okinawa – Searching for Humpback Whales by Shawn Miller

Posted on March 22, 2018 by Admin11

Whale watching season starts at the beginning of February and ends in April. We went out with The Zamami Whale watching Association In 2013. Before the boat ride, a local Scientist delivered an informative presentation on these powerful endangered animals. I have to say they are doing their best to educate the public on the protection of the Humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae). During the boat ride, the staff and boat captain were highly professional. The boats kept a safe working distance from the whales. The whales would surface for a few minutes go back down for 10-15minutes and resurface. We really wanted to get some powerful images of the whale jumping out of the water but we didn’t get that lucky. It was still worth the experience.

Whale watching tours – Kerama Islands

Humpback checking out the scene

Humpback Whale Dorsal fin

Whale Fluke -Karama Islands

Whale watching tours at Zamami Island

Whale tail splash

The Humpback whales biggest threat is Pollution. They are filter feeders and often accidentally ingest marine debris. Our waste is a serious problem for all marine animals.

Our waste is overwelling. We are at the point of massive destruction if we don’t do anything about it right now. The trash (Marine debris) is found on the surface of the water, underwater and littered on our beautiful shorelines. This is a worldwide issue we continue to ignore.

Ocean surface pollution

Underwater Pollution

Beach shoreline pollution

Ropes and fishing gear are entanglements for the Whales

Ropes, fishing gear, and nets are entanglements for the Whales

Plastic pollution, noise pollution and an increase in large boat traffic are having an impact on the whales. Every year we see whales washed on our shorelines.

Dead humpback whale – Kadena

Juvenile humpback whale

Another Juvenile humpback whale washed up on Torii beach.

Dead humpback whale – Yomitan

Dead humpback whale – Yomitan

Let’s protect the animals of the Okinawa.

Shark and Rays – Art Show & Fundraiser, Okinawa

Posted on March 5, 2018 by Admin11

Shark and Rays – The Art Show & Fundraiser was a great success.

Shark and Rays -Art show at OBC Okinawa

Purpose: To educate others about these amazing creatures and the major threats they are facing and to donate some of the profit from art pieces to conservation organizations. (The Shark guardian, Manta trust and Maldives whale shark research program)

There was work form sixteen local artists as well as a live band (Cj and friends)
– A big thanks to Julia Janicki, Hazel Roome and Rodel Santo Domingo for setting up this event.

Local artists making an difference at OBC

Local artists making a difference at OBC

We really appreciate everyone that showed up to support this event, Thank you. In case you missed the event, below are a few photographs.

Shark and Ray – Art show fundraiser @ OBC

Ray and shark conservation wall

The Shark conservation wall @ OBC

Local artist from Okinawa making a difference

Stingray surfboard and prints @ OBC

The education wall – Sharks and Rays

Shark and Ray – Postcards and magnets

Please stay tuned for the next conservation fundraiser. Have a great day!

Ryukyu Brown Frog – Amphibians of Okinawa by Shawn Miller

Posted on December 17, 2017 by Admin11

The Ryukyu Brown frog (Rana ulma) is found throughout the Ryukyu Islands. It is listed as an endangered species on the IUCN list of threatened species. Some of the most beautiful frogs are found on Kume Island.

Scientific name: Rana ulma – Synonym Babina okinavana
Common name: Ryukyu Brown Frog
Distribution: Ryukyu Islands
Habitat: Forests, mountain slopes, drainage ditches, and farm fields.
Diet: Insects
Average size: 45mm-65mm
Color: brownThe Ryukyu Brown Frog is found in northern Okinawa. The Yanbaru forest is a wildlife protected area.

Wildlife protection area -Yanbaru forest

They blend in very well with the leaf litter, rocks, and the surrounding grass.

Ryukyu Brown frog (Rana ulma) © Shawn Miller

Amami brown frog (Rana Kobai)

Mating season is during the winter months.

A wide-angle perspective of the small brown frog.

Pay attention to crossing wildlife. Frogs are often found on the road searching for insects

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 Nature Photography

沖縄自然写真 By Shawn Miller

Category Archives: Endangered species

I Finally Found the Yanbaru Kuina

Searching for the Amami Oshima Frog by Shawn Miller

Frogs of Okinawa by Shawn Miller

Birding and Plastic Dreams by Shawn Miller

Make The Switch For Nature By Shawn Miller

Featured

Searching for the Amami Rabbit by Shawn Miller

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

Whale Watching Okinawa – Searching for Humpback Whales by Shawn Miller

Shark and Rays – Art Show & Fundraiser, Okinawa

Ryukyu Brown Frog – Amphibians of Okinawa by Shawn Miller