ABOUT
About Ryukyu Long-haired Rat
Body length 22-33 cm, tail length 25-35 cm. Japan's largest rat, found only on Amami Oshima, Tokunoshima, and the northern part of Okinawa Island, with long bristle-like hairs of 5-6 cm mixed into the fur on its back. Designated a Natural Monument in 1972 and a Nationally Rare Wild Species in 2016. Nocturnal and strongly arboreal, it rests during the day in tree-hollow nests lined with dead leaves. Omnivorous, feeding on chinquapin nuts and insects among other things. Breeds from autumn into early winter, giving birth to 2-5 young per litter. It is not very wary, and since it does not flee much even when a flashlight is shone on it, it can sometimes be observed at leisure along forest roads.
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: “Capture and transfer prohibited (Natural Monument)”. Touching or capturing it is prohibited by law or ordinance.
