Category Archives: Nature conservation of Okinawa

Masters of Evasion – The Bobtail Squid of Okinawa

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The spotty bobtail squid ( Eumandya parva ) is a small cephalopod found in the beautiful waters surrounding Okinawa. They are hard to find due to their small size. Persistence, patience, and diving with a buddy with good eyes will increase your chances of finding them.

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  • Scientific name: Eumandya parva
  • Common Name: Bobtail Squid
  • Found:  Ryukyu Islands
  • Habitat: Open water @ night
  • Average Size: 15mm – 25mm

Bobtail squid have eight arms and two tentacles used to capture prey. They have a two part parrot-like beak used for feeding. They primarily feed on small crustaceans free swimming in open water.

43057477232_9a230ddb9f_zWhat’s really impressive about cephalopods is that they are masters of evasion.  They are equipped with advanced mirroring cells. These cells can change shape and color to match their surrounding. These vibrant chromotophores are also used for communication and attracting a mate.

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The bobtail squid has the ability to produce a large ink cloud (smoke screen) when in danger. This cloud of ink will confuse predators and give the squid a chance to escape safely.

9055908826_9fd643b9e2_z 11545089173_d92e317cd9_zSquid have wing-like fins used for precision movement through the open water. Their siphon is used for jet propulsion, allowing a clean getaway from predators.
15231802761_420c562a03_z They can also evade predators by covering up with sand to avoid detection.

7047055933_2ab7599067_bI found this large Euprymna brenneri covering itself with sand to avoid detection. I have only seen two of these in the waters of Okinawa. A new species decribed in December 2019.

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Euprymna brenneri

Mating season occurs in the summer months. 

mating bobtail squidLook close and you can see the white bundle of spermatophores produced during the mating process. The eggs will be fertilized and attached to a safe location under a reef ledge. Tiny bobtail squid will hatch from their eggs in three weeks.

bobtail squid and eggsIf you would like to learn more about the Cephalopods of Okinawa, check out my previous posts on the blue-ringed octopus, pygmy squid, pharaoh cuttlefish and the shell eating octopuses of Okinawa.

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

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

World Oceans Day 2019 – Okinawa, Japan

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June 8th 2019, is designated as Wold Oceans Day. It’s a day encouraging worldwide awareness and action to protect our environment. We can all do a better job making a difference, our lives depend on it.

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I have traveled to many of the outer Islands in the Ryukyu Island chain. Every Island has an abundance of marine debris washed ashore from Japan, China and Korea.  Below are some of the documentation photographs taken on Iheya Island.

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

 

Hermit Crabs Living In Glass Bottles By Shawn Miller

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Trash, treasure and the beautiful beaches of Okinawa.

One of my favorite things to do on the weekends is to go beach walking.  Over the years, I have seen a significant increase in the amount of marine debris washed ashore.  The trash is from all over the world, but majority of it washes up from Korea, China and Japan

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Maeda flats

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.

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Iheya beach

Majority of the glass bottles that wash ashore will eventually break. The resourceful blueberry hermit crabs take full advantage of any broken bottles and twist top caps. They  eventually move into this valuable real estate and use it as a protective mobile home until they find a better option.

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Marine debris

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Broken glass Iheya Island

Hermit Crabs prefer to live in a natural seashell. The most durable home on Okinawa is the silver mouth turban shell.

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Hermit crabs feeding

Due to a decline in the number of seashells, the hermit crabs have to adapt with our trash to survive. Below are photographs of hermit crabs found naturally adapting with metal twist caps and broken glass bottles.

Energy drink home- Trash homes

Energy drink home

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Energy drink home

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Glass top Crab

Hermit crabs - real-estate

Hermit crabs – real-estate

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Metal cap

Hermit crab in a glass bottle

Hermit crab in a glass

The hermit crab is one of the few animals that can successfully adapt with our waste. If you would like to learn more about hermit crabs adapting with our waste please check out my post on “Crabs With Beach Trash Homes” by Shawn M Miller.

Learn more about making a difference, TEDx talk | Adapting to or Changing Environment by Shawn M 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 worldwide conservation initiatives as well as bringing solutions to the worldwide pollution issues on our beautiful shorelines.  Thank you for your support. Shawn M Miller.

The Eyes of the Underwater World by Shawn Miller

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Okinawa offers some of the best Scuba-diving in the world. I really enjoy the art of underwater macro photography.  Macro subjects can always be found, it just takes some imagination and good framing to create beautiful underwater abstracts. Animal eyes are challenging and exciting areas to focus on. Below are some of my favorite photographs of vision taken on the Island of Okinawa.

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Longsnout flathead © Shawn Miller

 

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Crowned puffer © Shawn Miller

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Leopard flounder © Shawn Miller

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Reef squid © Shawn Miller

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© Shawn Miller

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Coral scallop © Shawn Miller

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Crowned puffer-fish © Shawn Miller

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Pufferfish © Shawn Miller

Hawk fish © Shawn Miller

Hawk fish © Shawn Miller

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Stareye parrotfish © Shawn Miller

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Broadband cuttlefish © Shawn Miller

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Crowned puffer © Shawn Miller

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Fire fish © Shawn Miller

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Hawkfish © Shawn Miller

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

Amami Woodcock- The Birds of The Ryukyu Islands

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The Amami woodcock (Scolopax mira) is considered a prefectural bird of Amami Island. They are a rare species mainly found on Amami and Tokuno islands. These ground dwelling birds are listed as vulnerable on the IUCN red list of threatened species.

  • Scientific name:  Scolopax mira
  • Distribution:  Amami, Tokuno and Northern Okinawa
  • Habitat: leaf littered forests
  • Diet:  Beetles, crickets, moths, spiders, and worms
  • Average Size:  34cm – 36mm
  • Threats: Habitat loss and the introduced mongoose.

© Shawn Miller

Amami woodcock (Scolopax mira) © Shawn Miller

The Amami woodcock is a master of camouflage. It crouches down low and limits its movements in the leaf litter.  When predators approach the woodcock will fly away in most cases.

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Amami woodcock (Scolopax mira) © Shawn Miller

In this case the female has chicks that she has to protect.

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Amami woodcock (Scolopax mira) © Shawn Miller

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Amami woodcock (Scolopax mira) © Shawn Miller

We managed to see one sub-adult, it quickly followed its mothers lead and fled the scene.

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Amami woodcock (Scolopax mira) © 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 )

Mongoose ( Hepestes javanicus ) © Shawn Miller

All the photographs of the Amami woodcock were taken from the car through the back seat window.  In the beginning, I had difficulty with the cameras auto-focus system. I adapted by mounting a Light&Motion GoBe light with a 500 search head to my tripod collar. This allowed the auto-focus system to be extremely responsive using the Canon EF100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM.

Amami rabbit camera setup

Amami night adventures  setup  © Shawn Miller

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.

Learn more about the Light&Motion GoBe Exploration light   https://www.lightandmotion.com/choose-your-light/gobe 

  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 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.

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

Earth Day 2019 Okinawa

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Happy Earth Day 2019,

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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.

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As you can see our trash is a serious problem on our shorelines. Some organizations are doing great things making a difference but its not enough, We must all work together worldwide to attack this problem.

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We all have the ability to make a difference by reducing the amount of single-use items we use daily. Change can be difficult but I challenge you to Make The Switch for Nature 

Three items that can make a huge impact are:

  1. Reusable thermos instead of single use
  2. Reusable bag instead of a plastic bag
  3. Metal utensils instead of single use plastic

IMG_3363I also recommend volunteering in a community beach cleanup at least once a year. Its important to see the amount of trash for yourself!

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Hopefully this post will inspire you to make a positive change.

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

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 below.

paypal.me/maketheswitch4nature

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

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

The Fishing Spiders of the Yanbaru forest By Shawn Miller

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The Okinawan fishing spider (Dolomedes orion) is one of the most unique spiders we have on the Island of Okinawa.

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My fishing hole

Most fishing spiders are ambush predators. They have the ability to catch prey on the land, on the surface of the water and even underwater. Fishing spiders use vibrations to attract insects like water striders. The spiders vibrations simulate a helpless insect floating on the surface of the water.

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Dolomedes sp, Iriomote Island

I have seen amazing photographs of these fishing spiders eating frogs. I personally have observed Dolomedes orion eating insects only.

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Dolomedes orion hunting

The beautiful color contrast allows them to blend in with their surrounding environment to avoid being seen.

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Dolomedes orion feeding

It is thought that the white reflective leg sections are used to lure in prey when hunting during the daytime, but do they serve a purpose at night?

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MYN Technique

Look close, the female fishing spider handles her egg sack with extreme care.

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Female protecting her egg sack

Meet Spi-Zilla, This is an average healthy specimen found in the Yanbaru forest.

 

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Huge spiders on Okinawa

I used my iPhone to compare the size of this huge spider, I kept my distance for sure.

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Iphone comparison, Thanks R Shobe

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Please be respectful to the wildlife. If they show any signs of stress or aggression give them their space and move on. Learn more about the Huntsmen spiders of Okinawa

 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 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.

 

The Fastest Fish Jaws on the Planet by Shawn Miller

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The Sling-jaw wrasse is my favorite fish to observe underwater. The large wrasse is fairly common in the beautiful waters of Okinawa. It primarily swims using its pectoral fins, similar to the way a bird uses its wings. It can be seen at all of the popular snorkeling and diving locations on Okinawa.

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  • Scientific name:   Epibulus insidiator
  • Common Name: Sling-jaw wrasse
  • Distribution:  Indo-Pacific
  • Habitat: Coral reefs
  • Diet:  Small fish, crabs, and shrimp
  • Average Size:  29cm 
  • Threats: Habitat loss and overfishing

The Sling-jaw wrasse looks very strange when viewed head-on. It has the ability to rotate its eyes 360 degrees.

DSC_8028 The sling-jaw wrasse looks like a pretty average fish from its side but has a hidden ability. DSC_8044The Sling-jaw wrasse has the ability to protrude its jaw longer than any other fish in the ocean. Its jaw is used to extend its reach and suck in prey. The scientific term for this is known as jaw protusion. DSC_8045It uses suction feeding to catch small animals in tight cracks and crevices on the reef.

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To increase its chances of catching prey the wrasse will team up with other fish and the octopus. It’s pretty amazing to watch this team hunting take place. The scientific term for this is known as nuclear hunting.

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Sometimes a still photograph just can’t capture the behavior taking place. In order to really appreciate this animal behavior, it must be seen in the wild. Nuclear hunting at Maeda point.

Hundreds of fish washed ashore after Typhoon trami. This mature wrasse could not cope with the devastating power of Typhoon trami.

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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. 

If you would like to use any of my photographs, please contact me directly.

Have a great day!

The Protector of Zakimi Castle Ruins

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The Japanese sparrowhawk (Accipiter gularis) is another fascinating predatory bird found throughout the Ryukyu Islands. They are an uncommon species found on Okinawa. I have observed these pigeon-sized predatory birds feeding on insects and small birds.
    • Scientific name:  Accipiter gularis
    • Common Name: Japanese sparrowhawk
    • Distribution:  Ryukyu Islands
    • Habitat: Forests, parks, and farm fields. 
    • Diet:  Small birds and a variety of insects
    • Average Size:  27cm 
  • Threats: Deforestation and Jungle crows
They are found perching high on the Ryukyu pine trees (Pinus luchuensis). IMG_2474 (1) The females have yellow eyes and the males have bright red beautiful eyes. 0K2A4097 IMG_6604 They are impressive ambush hunters and surprise their prey in mid-flight. IMG_0544 (2)They pluck the feathers off their catch before bringing it back to the nest IMG_0476 They stay busy feeding their chicks in mid-summer. When songbirds are scarce they feed on cicada and other large insects. IMG_6534 - Copy The chicks have darker banding bars on their chest. When its time they will leave the nest in search of their own hunting ground. IMG_0581 - CopyPeople 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.  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 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.

Fly like a gray-faced buzzard eagle by Shawn Miller

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The Gray-faced buzzard (Butastur indicus) is one of the most fascinating predatory birds of the Ryukyu Islands. They are a common species that migrate to Okinawa in the first week of October. I have observed these mid-sized predatory birds feeding on small insects, rodents and lizards.

  • Scientific name:  (Butastur indicus)
  • Common Name: Gray-faced buzzard hawk or eagle
  • Distribution:  Winters in Okinawa
  • Habitat: Forests, parks, farm fields, and local neighbors 
  • Diet:  Lizards, grasshoppers and a variety of insects
  • Average Size:  50cm 

They are mainly found perching high in trees. Notice how well they blend into the surrounding environment.

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They are also found perching high on electrical poles, wires, and rooftops.

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Look close and you can see the nictitating membrane, its used to protect and moisten the eye.
16599684692_b410d078ac_bI recommend using a telephoto lens to photograph these shy birds. They have a tendency to fly away as soon as you point the camera lens at them.

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In recent years I have noticed an increase in the population of these beautiful migratory birds.

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. 

 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