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～Introduction to Existing World Heritage Sites in Japan～

Amami-Oshima Island, Tokunoshima Island, Northern part of Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island

Subtropical Forests Alive with Unique Wildlife

Yanbaru Amami Rabbit Okinawa Rail Iriomote Island

Basic Information

🧭Location Kagoshima & Okinawa Prefecture

⏳Period—

📘Comp. Subtropical evergreen forests, streams, and mangrove habitats

Keywords

Yanbaru Subtropical Evergreen Broadleaf Forest Mangrove Forest Relict Endemic Species Adaptive Radiation Coral Reefs Amami Rabbit Okinawa Rail Iriomote Cat

Value

Exceptional biodiversity of rare and endemic species across subtropical islands.

Why Is It a World Heritage Site?

Islands of the Ryukyu Archipelago covered in subtropical forests

"Unique Nature Shaped by the History of the Islands"

Amami-Oshima, Tokunoshima, the northern part of Okinawa Island, and Iriomote are covered with subtropical evergreen broadleaf forests nurtured by a warm, humid climate.

Once connected to the Asian continent, parts of this region became separated through geological processes, forming islands. As terrestrial species became isolated, they evolved independently in their respective environments.

The formation of the islands gave rise to unique natural worlds.
Their history has fostered rich biodiversity.
The Amami rabbit, found only on Amami-Oshima and Tokunoshima

"Species Found Nowhere Else in the World"

The region is home to globally rare species, including the Amami rabbit, the Okinawa rail, and the Iriomote cat.

Each island also supports many endemic species found nowhere else. This distinctive biodiversity, shaped by a long history of isolation, is of global importance for conservation.

Unique wildlife found nowhere else on Earth.
Protecting its habitats helps safeguard global biodiversity.
Subtropical forests and diverse natural habitats on Iriomote Island

"Subtropical Forests Sustaining Diverse Life"

Extensive areas of subtropical forest provide stable habitats for a wide variety of plants and animals. From mountain forests and streams to wetlands and mangroves, diverse environments support the lives of many species.

The continued presence of these natural habitats is essential for the survival of endemic and threatened species. Conserving the islands' natural environments as a whole helps pass their irreplaceable biodiversity on to future generations.

Diverse habitats extend from forests to streams and wetlands.
These natural environments sustain rare and precious life.

Components

Amami-Oshima and Tokunoshima

Amami-Oshima and Tokunoshima

Northern part of Okinawa Island

Northern part of Okinawa Island

Iriomote Island

Iriomote Island

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Criteria

Each World Heritage Site has specific criteria that explain why it has been recognized as a World Heritage Site. Here, we look at the criteria under which Amami-Ryukyu has been recognized.

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Endemic Species and Biodiversity

Globally important habitats shaped by island isolation and evolution

Amami-Oshima Island, Tokunoshima Island, the northern part of Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island are home to many endemic and threatened species, including the Amami rabbit, Iriomote cat, and Okinawa rail. The distinctive wildlife that evolved through the islands' long isolation represents globally significant biodiversity and habitats essential for its conservation.

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