Searching for the Amami Rabbit by Shawn Miller

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

Fresh Ryukyu rabbit pellets © Shawn Miller

Dung beetle

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)

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 )

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 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.

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! 

 

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

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

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

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 turtle- Okinawa city zoo

Abandoned turtles- Okinawa city zoo

I found this cute hatchling crossing the road in Yomitan.

Turtle hatchling © Shawn Miller

Turtle hatchling © Shawn Miller

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

Albino Red-eared slider

Albino Red-eared slide © Shawn Miller

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

© Shawn Miller

MYN technique © Shawn Miller

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

A balancing act  © Shawn Miller

A balancing act © Shawn Miller

Check out that balance- Turtle Yoga with a smile!

Turtle Yoga pose, Comprehensive park

Turtle Yoga pose, Comprehensive park © 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

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

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

Sunrise – Kin Marsh, Okinawa © Shawn Miller

The Juvenile Asian yellow pond turtle in its natural habitat.

Asian yellow pond turtle, Onna Village

Asian yellow pond turtle, Onna Village © Shawn Miller

A face-closeup of this shy turtle

Asian yellow pond turtle, Okinawa

Asian yellow pond turtle, Okinawa © Shawn Miller

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

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Asian Yellow Pond Turtles mating

An adult feeding on a non-native tilapia fish.

Asian pond turtle

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

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

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

Asian yellow pond turtle, Road Kill

Road Kill -Watch your speed © 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.

 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.

Whale Watching Okinawa – Searching for Humpback Whales by Shawn Miller

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.

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Whale watching tours – Kerama Islands

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Humpback checking out the scene

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Humpback Whale Dorsal fin

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Whale Fluke -Karama Islands

Whale watching boats

Whale watching tours at Zamami Island

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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.

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Ocean surface pollution

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Underwater Pollution

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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.

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Dead humpback whale – Kadena

Juvenile humpback whale

Juvenile humpback whale

Another Juvenile humpback whale washed up on Torii beach.

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Dead humpback whale – Yomitan

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Dead humpback whale – Yomitan

Let’s protect the animals of the Okinawa.

 

 

 

 

Okinawa green tree frog – Ryukyu Islands

The Okinawa green tree frog ( Rhacophorus viridis viridis ) is found on Okinawa, Iheya and Kume Island.

  • Scientific name: Rhacophorus viridis viridis
  • Common name: Okinawa Green tree frog
  • Distribution: Okinawa, Kume, and Iheya.
  • Habitat: Forests, mountain slopes and farm fields near water.
  • Diet: Insects
  • Average size: 45mm-75mm
  • Color: Olive green, Bright green and dark brown
Okinawa Green tree frog

Okinawa Green tree frog © Shawn Miller

This beautiful frog is a master of camouflage.  I often find it resting on tree branches, blending in with the surrounding green leaves.

Natural habitat

Natural habitat © Shawn Miller

Green tree frog

Green tree frog © Shawn Miller

Amami green tree frog ( Rhacophorus viridis amamiensis)

Amami green tree frog ( Rhacophorus viridis amamiensis) © Shawn Miller

The breeding season stretches from February to April on Okinawa.

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Green tree frog mating © Shawn Miller

On Kume Island the tree frogs transform to a golden brown when mating.

Kume Island tree frog

Kume Island tree frog © Shawn Miller

They construct a foam nest on a tree branch above a still water source. Eventually, the foam liquefies when the eggs are ready to hatch.

Frog foam nest

Frog foam nest © Shawn Miller

Not all frogs survive to make the nest. The Akamata is the most common snake on the Okinawan Islands.  It feeds on venomous habu snakes, baby sea turtles, lizards, and frogs.

Akamata feeding

Akamata snake feeding © Shawn Miller

Photographed on white for the Meet your Neighbours global biodiversity project.

MYN Technique

MYN Technique © Shawn Miller

MYN Technique

MYN Technique © Shawn Miller

Green tree frog

Green tree frog © Shawn Miller

I often find this frog searching for insects on the road.

Roadside green tree frog

Roadside green tree frog © Shawn Miller

” Know your nature with Shawn Miller ” Let’s protect the wildlife of Okinawa.

 

 

The Ryukyu Robin, Endemic birds of Okinawa by Shawn Miller

The Ryukyu Robin (Larvivora komadori namiyei)  is a subspecies endemic to northern Okinawa.  It is listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN red list of threatened species.  Its main threats are habitat loss and the introduction of invasive species.

  • Scientific name:  Larvivora komadori namiyei (Stejneger, 1887)
  • Distribution:  Northern Okinawa
  • Habitat:  Dense leaf littered forests 
  • Diet:  Earthworms, spiders, insects and fruit
  • Average Size:  140mm 

The Ryukyu robin in its natural habitat. The male has the distinctive black throat and face.

Male Ryukyu Robin

Male Ryukyu Robin, Yanbaru forest © Shawn Miller

The female Ryukyu robin perching on a guide rope at Hiji falls, Okinawa.

Female Ryukyu robin

Female Ryukyu robin (Larvivora komadori) © Shawn Miller

A male Ryukyu robin searching for insects on the ground.

Male Ryukyu robin

Male Ryukyu robin © Shawn Miller

Ryukyu robin

Ryukyu robin © Shawn Miller

Ryukyu Robin -Yanbaru forest

Ryukyu Robin -Yanbaru forest © Shawn Miller

Time for a nap on a fern tree.

Ryukyu robin resting

Ryukyu robin resting © Shawn Miller

Luscinia komadori komadori is a subspecies found on Amami Island. The flank is white and black.

Luscinia komadori komadori, Amami Island

Luscinia komadori komadori, Amami Island © Shawn Miller

These small birds are often seen early in the morning feeding on insects on the road. Watch your speed and pay particular attention between dusk and dawn.

Watch your speed!

Watch your speed! © Shawn Miller

A male Ryukyu robin that was killed by a speeding motor vehicle on Route 2 in northern Okinawa.

Roadkill  Larvivora komadori

Okinawa Roadkill – January 17th, 2016 © Shawn Miller

Let’s protect the beautiful wildlife of Okinawa, Japan.

Have a great day!

 

The Art of Wide-Angle Macro Photography by Shawn Miller

Wide-angle macro photography is popular with wildlife photographers. The technique allows the photographer to document the animal in its natural habitat and show the full scene it lives in. The photographs have great impact and deliver a bug eye perspective using a wide angle lens. I generally use off-camera flash with a custom soft box to make these photographs. Lately, I have been testing a variety of on-camera flashes to achieve a different perspective. One of the biggest challenges is lighting the subject evenly with soft diffused lighting.

The most popular lenses used for wide angle macro photography ( WAM )  

  • Tokina fisheye 10-17mm f3.5-4.5
  • Nikon fisheye 10.5mm f2.8
  • Sigma fisheye 15mm f2.8 E
  • Venus Laowa 15mm f4 –    (Manual focus only)

The Tokina 10-17mm Fisheye is my favorite lens in my bag and has been my go-to lens for the project “Crabs with Beach Trash Homes” 

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Tokina fisheye lens

Below are some of my favorite wide-angle macro images photographed in Okinawa-Japan.

Fighting pose - Preying mantis, IPhone 6s

Fighting pose – Preying mantis, IPhone 6s © Shawn Miller

Hermit crabs of Okinawa

Hermit crabs of Okinawa © Shawn Miller

Geograpsus grayi with eggs

Geograpsus grayi with eggs © Shawn Miller

Ishikawa's Frog

Ishikawa’s Frog – The most beautiful frog in Japan © Shawn Miller

Horn-eyed ghost crab at sunset

Horn-eyed ghost crab at sunset -Nikon 10.5mm © Shawn Miller

Searching for the Ishikawas frog

Herping in the yanbaru forest © Shawn Miller

Crabs with trash homes - Sesoko

Crabs with trash homes – Sesoko © Shawn Miller

Golden habu - WAM

Golden habu on a fence © Shawn Miller

Ghost crab - Nagahama beach

Ghost crab – Nagahama beach © Shawn Miller

Pryer's keelback feeding on a white jawed frog

Pryer’s keelback feeding on a white jawed frog © Shawn Miller

Baby loggerhead leaving the nest

Baby loggerhead leaving the nest © Shawn Miller

coconut rhinoceros beetle

Invasive insects – Coconut rhinoceros beetle © Shawn Miller

Blue rock-thrush with wings spread

Blue rock-thrush with wings spread © Shawn Miller

Princess habu -Yanbaru

Princess habu -Yanbaru © Shawn Miller

Kuroiwa's ground gecko crossing the road

Kuroiwa’s ground gecko crossing the road © Shawn Miller

Okinawan green tree frog

Okinawan green tree frog © Shawn Miller

Giant stag Beetle (Dorcus titanus)

Giant stag Beetle (Dorcus titanus) -Ie Island © Shawn Miller

Okinawa tip-nosed frog ( Rana narina )

Okinawa tip-nosed frog ( Rana narina ) © Shawn Miller

Hermit crab at sunset

Hermit crab at sunset © Shawn Miller

Land crab crossing the road  at night

Land crab crossing the road at night © Shawn Miller

Hermit crabs with beach trash homes

Hermit crabs with beach trash homes © Shawn Miller

on the move- Black-breasted leaf turtle

On the move- Black-breasted leaf turtle © Shawn Miller

Asian long horned beetle

Asian long-horned beetle © Shawn Miller

Crabs with trash homes-Yomitan

Crabs with trash homes-Yomitan © Shawn Miller

Road dweller- Namie's frog- Stella 2000

Road dweller- Namie’s frog- Stella 2000 © Shawn Miller

Praying mantis

Praying mantis @Hedo Point

zanpa lighthouse and hermit crabs

zanpa lighthouse and hermit crabs

If you would like to learn more about this technique I recommend                                          Wide-Angle Macro: The Essential Guide by Clay Bolt and Paul Harcourt Davies   https://www.e-junkie.com/shop/product/482943.php

The Okinawan Woodpecker (Dendrocopos noguchii) – Critically Endangered species

Pryer’s woodpecker (Dendrocopos noguchii) is the prefecture bird of Okinawa and designated as a natural treasure of Japan. They are a rare species only found in the northern part of Okinawa and are currently listed critically endangered on the IUCN red list of threatened species.

    • Scientific name (Dendrocopos noguchii)

 

    • Common name: Okinawan or Pryer’s woodpecker

 

    • Distribution:  Northern Okinawa

 

    • Habitat: Yanbaru Forest

 

    • Diet:  Beetle larvae, moths, spiders, centipedes and fruit

 

  • Average Size:  30cm – 35mm

Shawn Miller featured – WILDLIFE AS CANON SEES IT -Published National Geographic May 2015. Bringing awareness to the endangered species of the Ryukyu Islands one image at a time. 

Woodpecker featured Nat Geo May 2015

Woodpecker featured Nat Geo May 2015 –

The woodpecker can rotate its head 180 degrees to capture the difficult insects. This is the first and only time I have observed this occurring.

Pryer's woodpecker  180 head twist

Pryer’s woodpecker 180 head twist

This woodpecker is unique. It feeds its young only one insect at a time.

Okinawa woodpecker

Okinawa woodpecker

Pryer's woodpecker in flight

Pryer’s woodpecker in flight

Both parents stay busy feeding the chicks. The nests can have up to three chicks.

Pryer's woodpecker feeding chick

Pryer’s woodpecker feeding chick

The woodpeckers biggest threats are deforestation and natural predators.

The woodpeckers natural threat

The woodpeckers natural threat – Jungle Crow

My favorite image of The Pryer’s woodpecker.

Pryer's woodpecker (Sapheopipo Noguchii) Yanbaru forest

Pryer’s woodpecker (Sapheopipo Noguchii) Yanbaru forest

 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

Slow Down! – Let’s Protect The Okinawa Rail

The Okinawa rail 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

Distribution:  Northern Okinawa

Habitat: Forests

Diet:  Small insects, worms, snails and fruit. 

Average Size:  31cm 

Threats: Habitat loss and the threat of Jungle crows and mongoose.

okinawa rail

The Okinawan rail © Shawn Miller

The rail is often found feeding on the side of the road. It feeds on worms, snails, and insects.

Okinawa rail posing ( Hypotaenidia okinawae)

Okinawa rail posing ( Hypotaenidia okinawae) © Shawn Miller

When defending its territory, the rail will become aggressive and flare its wings.

Angry Bird- Okinawa rail

Angry Bird- Okinawa rail © Shawn Miller

If you are lucky you can catch the Okinawa rail feeding on the fruit of the cherry tree.

Okinawa rail feeding ( Hypotaenidia okinawae)

Okinawa rail feeding ( Hypotaenidia okinawae) © Shawn Miller

They roost high above the ground to avoid predators like the habu snake.

Okinawa rail roosting ( Hypotaenidia okinawae)

Okinawa rail roosting ( Hypotaenidia okinawae) © Shawn Miller

In 2014 I stumbled upon Scientists handling an adult Okinawa rail in the wild.

flightless birds of Japan

Okinawa rail © Shawn Miller

Awareness signs are posted along the main roads in northern Okinawa for their protection. I think they should also include speed bumps in the designated crossing areas for the rails.

Okinawa rail awareness signs are posted

Okinawa rail awareness signs © Shawn Miller

The speed limit is only 40km/h so watch your speed for the protection of the wildlife. The rails are often seen feeding on the side of the road.

40km/h speed sign

Posted speed limit is 40km/h © Shawn Miller

I have observed these birds crossing the road on many occasions. They have no problems crossing when people are driving the speed limit. Speeding decreases your reaction time,  slow down and pay attention to all crossing wildlife.

Okinawa rail crossing the road

Okinawa rail crossing the road© Shawn Miller

An Okinawa rail that was killed by a speeding motor vehicle on Route 2 in northern Okinawa.

okinawa rail - road kill

Okinawa rail – road kill © Shawn Miller

What to do if you find an injured rail.

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 

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.