ABOUT
About Amami Round Dung Beetle
Body length 13–20mm. An endemic species found only on Amami Oshima and Tokunoshima (a different subspecies occurs on Tokunoshima); its hind wings are reduced, so it cannot fly. At night it walks through mountain forests searching for the droppings of the Amami rabbit, and has the habit of digging a hole beneath a dung ball and dragging it in backwards with its front legs. Because its range is extremely limited, it has poor mobility, and past collection pressure has significantly reduced its numbers, it is listed as Vulnerable (VU) on the Ministry of the Environment's Red List.
SAFETY
Observation Safety Notes
Please enjoy Amami's wildlife through photographs. Some species are protected by law or local ordinance, and capturing or removing them is prohibited. In special protection zones within the national park, collecting any wildlife is prohibited entirely. Please check the notes on this page, and confirm local rules before visiting any site.
This creature is subject to: “Collecting prohibited (National Park Designated Animal, Ordinance-designated Rare Wild Species), Ministry of the Environment Red List: Vulnerable (VU)”. Touching or capturing it is prohibited by law or ordinance.
