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

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.

The Fishing Spiders of the Yanbaru forest By Shawn Miller

Posted on February 8, 2019 by Admin11

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

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.

Dolomedes sp, Iriomote Island

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

Dolomedes orion hunting

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

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?

MYN Technique

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

Female protecting her egg sack

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

Huge spiders on Okinawa

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

Iphone comparison, Thanks R Shobe

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

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 Protector of Zakimi Castle Ruins

Posted on November 18, 2018 by Admin11

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).

The females have yellow eyes and the males have bright red beautiful eyes.

They are impressive ambush hunters and surprise their prey in mid-flight.

They pluck the feathers off their catch before bringing it back to the nest

They stay busy feeding their chicks in mid-summer. When songbirds are scarce they feed on cicada and other large insects.

The chicks have darker banding bars on their chest. When its time they will leave the nest in search of their own hunting ground.

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 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.

Okinawa Coral snake – Venomous snakes of the Ryukyu Islands by Shawn Miller

Posted on October 5, 2018 by Admin11

The Okinawa Coral snake (Simomicrurus japonicus boettgeri) is a venomous snake found throughout the Ryukyu Islands. They are difficult to find here on Okinawa and are usually found at night. More effort should be focused on conserving this exotic native snake. This beautiful snake has been overlooked and needs to be protected. It is currently listed near threatened on the IUCN red list of endangered species.

Scientific name: Simomicrurus japonicus boettgeri
Local name: Okinawa Coral snake
Distribution: Ryukyu Islands
Habitat: Forests
Diet: Small snakes and lizards
Average size: 30cm -60cm
Color: Black, orange with a yellow and black belly.

They blend in very well with leaves and broken sticks making them hard to find.

When threatened the coral snake will coil its tail. This defense mechanism confuses the predator.

These rare snakes are often found crossing the road at night and sadly I have seen more dead than alive.

The underside of the snake is quite beautiful as well.

The Hyan coral snake ( Sinomicrurus japonicus japonicus) is a subspecies we found on Amami Island. The stripes are less interrupted than the Okinawan coral snake.

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

Even the birds had nowhere to hide during Typhoon Trami

Posted on October 4, 2018 by Admin11

I have experienced many typhoons in the last twenty-five years. Typhoon Trami was by far the strongest storm of the year. Its normal to see marine life washed ashore but this was my first time finding shorebirds washed ashore.

The images might be disturbing to some of the viewers but this is how I naturally found the birds on local beaches. A variety of egrets, terns, snipes, pigeons, and herons could not cope with the harsh conditions.

An abundance of marine debris also washed up. A disgusting amount of single-use items like styrofoam, plastic bottle caps, water bottles, lighters, combs, razors, cigarette butts, and floats littered the shoreline.

Our trash is a serious problem on our shorelines. What are you doing to make a difference? Have a great day.

The Blue Rock Thrush – Birds of Okinawa by Shawn Miller

Posted on July 10, 2018 by Admin11

The Blue rock thrush (Monticola solitarius) is one of the most fascinating and abundant birds of The Ryukyu Islands. They are a common species found in urban areas. I have observed these birds eating food from peoples hands.

Scientific name: (Monticola solitarius)
Common Name: Blue Rock Thrush
Distribution: Ryukyu Islands
Habitat: Forests, Parks, and local neighbors
Diet: Butterflies, moths, spiders, caterpillars, and fruit
Average Size: 25cm

The female is all brown with a striped pattern. The male is dark blue with an orange breast and belly.

Female rock thrush © Shawn Miller

Male Rock Thrush © Shawn Miller

Breeding season occurs April through July. When the Hatchling emerge the parents are on high alert and become noisy and aggressive defending their young.

Moma on Duty © Shawn Miller

Daddy on duty © Shawn Miller

This young hatchling left the nest prematurely. It survived four full days roaming the neighborhood wisely on the ground.

Hatchling searching for shelter © Shawn Miller

Somewhere on its journey, it picked up some fishing line.

Hatchling and fishing line © Shawn Miller

These birds are curious and intelligent birds. A wide-angle macro perspective of the male blue rock thrush with its wings spread.

Blue rock-thrush with wings spread © Shawn Miller

Look close and you can see the nicitating membrane, its used to protect and moisten the eye.

Blue rock-thrush drying off © Shawn Miller

We pulled up to a fight scene. A rock thrush and a praying mantis fighting in the middle of the road. The rock-thrush flew away and the praying mantis stood its ground. Photographed using my iPhone.

Fighting pose - Preying mantis, IPhone 6s

Fighting pose © Shawn Miller

Know your Nature with Shawn 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

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

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)

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

Okinawa Nature Photography

沖縄自然写真 By Shawn Miller

Tag Archives: outdoor and wildlife photography by Shawn Miller

Frogs of Okinawa by Shawn Miller

The Fishing Spiders of the Yanbaru forest By Shawn Miller

The Protector of Zakimi Castle Ruins

Okinawa Coral snake – Venomous snakes of the Ryukyu Islands by Shawn Miller

Even the birds had nowhere to hide during Typhoon Trami

The Blue Rock Thrush – Birds 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

Okinawan Tree Lizards of the Ryukyu Islands by Shawn Miller