House Geckos of Okinawa

Posted on September 22, 2019 by Admin11

The house gecko is the most abundant reptile on Okinawa. They can be found in apartments, buildings, public restrooms, outdoor phone booths, and vending machines. In many countries, they are considered good luck in the home.

Scientific name: Hemidactylus frenatus
Japanese name: Yamori
Distribution: Ryukyu Islands
Habitat: Forests, apartments, and public restrooms
Diet: Insects and small spiders
Average Size: 50mm-67mm

Interesting facts about house geckos –

They have the ability to lay eggs on vertical walls
They have no eyelids
They can walk upside-down
When threatened they can release their tail
They communicate by making loud chirping sounds

House geckos have amazing night vision.

Their tongues are used for grooming, catching food, and searching for a mate.

They have specialized walking pads with tiny hairs called setae. These hairs allow them to stick to surfaces and even walk up vertical walls.

Geckos are often found around artificial light sources (vending machines). The lights attract insects during the night. A buffet for the geckos!

Geckos and other wildlife are found in public restrooms. The light source attracts a variety of insects. Always check the scene before you sit down, you never know what’s hiding behind the toilet.

During the day, geckos seek shelter in warm areas. House geckos are responsible for high repair costs on air conditioning units. They crawl on the AC circuit board and cause it to short circuit. Repair costs are very expensive.

House geckos usually lay only two eggs. This is a good example of a communal nesting site. These eggs were laid on a vertical concrete wall.

Geckos are often found crossing public roads during the night. Please pay attention to crossing wildlife. The ants took advantage of the roadkill.

I often find geckos on local beaches near the coastal forest. Juvenile Ryukyu odd-toothed snakes (Akamata) prefer to feed on these sand-dwelling geckos.

Even the geckos have to adapt with our waste. I found this gecko under a piece of marine debris washed ashore in northern Okinawa.

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 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

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

The Chinese soft-shell turtle – Aquatic turtles of Okinawa

Posted on July 15, 2019 by Admin11

This year we have had an abundance of rain on Okinawa. Locals have been finding a great deal of turtles on the road, specifically the Chinese soft-shell turtle ( Pelodiscus sinensis ). This soft shell turtle was originally introduced as a food source. This species is currently listed as vulnerable (VU) on the IUCN Red List.

Scientific name: Pelodiscus sinensis
Common name: Chinese softshell 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: 30-35cm
Color: Olive gray

An adult soft turtle found in the farm fields at night.

A large female I found laying eggs on the bank of a small water source.

A closeup of a soft turtle infested with leaches. Stop staring!

Meet chunky

The beautiful farm fields of Okinawa, prime habitat for aquatic turtles.

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 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.

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

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

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.

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!

A balancing act © Shawn Miller

Check out that balance- Turtle Yoga with a smile!

Turtle Yoga pose, Comprehensive park © Shawn Miller

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.

Check out those sharp teeth © Shawn Miller

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

Okinawan tree lizard feeding on a bee © Shawn Miller

Okinawan tree lizard feeding on a tiger beetle © Shawn Miller

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

Ryukyu odd-tooth feeding © Shawn Miller

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 © Shawn Miller

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

Pair of sleeping monkey lizards © Shawn Miller

Female monkey-lizard © Shawn Miller

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

Japalura polygonata ishigakiensis © Shawn Miller

Face closeup -Japalura polygonata ishigakiensis © Shawn Miller

A closeup of the protective scales.

lizard scales © Shawn Miller

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

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.

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.

Pryers Keelback Snake – Reptiles of the Ryukyu Islands by Shawn Miller

Posted on March 11, 2018 by Admin11

As of March 2018, The Pryers Keelback (Hebius pryeri) is considered a venomous snake found throughout the Ryukyu Islands. They are rear-fanged and require a strong long-term chewing style bite to inject the venom into the wound. They are a very common snake found on Okinawa. I often find them in the Yanbaru forest on my night dwellings.

Scientific name: Hebius pryeri
Local name: The Pryers Keelback
Distribution: Ryukyu Islands
Habitat: Forests, grasslands, streams and rice fields
Diet: Frogs, frog eggs and small reptiles
Average size: 60cm-115cm
Color: Black & yellow with yellow bell

This year (2018) the Okinawa government posted some education posters to bring awareness about the snakes of Okinawa. I was surprised to see the Pryers Keelback is now considered venomous.

Venomous snakes of Okinawa

A Pryers Keelback snake with a unique pattern searching for frog eggs. Kume Island

A juvenile Keelback searching for frogs near a fresh water stream. Izena Island

Look close at the split tongue flickering back.

The Pryers Keelback mainly feeds on the small frogs. Its favorite meal is the Kajika frog!

They generally feed on the animals head first.

Sometimes you will see them eat frogs feet first. This makes for a more interesting photograph.

Holding on tight – Never give up!

One of my favorite photographs of snake predation. A very large Pryer’s keelback feeding on a White jawed frog.

I often find these snakes dead in the road. A large Yanbaru forest crab (Candidiopotamon okinawense) took advantage of the situation.

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.

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

Tag Archives: reptiles and amphibians of okinawa

House Geckos of Okinawa

Searching for the Amami Oshima Frog by Shawn Miller

The Chinese soft-shell turtle – Aquatic turtles of Okinawa

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

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

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

Pryers Keelback Snake – Reptiles of the Ryukyu Islands by Shawn Miller

Ryukyu Brown Frog – Amphibians of Okinawa by Shawn Miller