ABOUT
About Watase's Shrew
One of the world's smallest mammals, about 5.5 cm long and weighing just 5-8 g. A species endemic to Japan, found only in the Amami island group (Amami Oshima, Kakeromajima, Tokunoshima, and others) and the Okinawa Islands. It prefers open environments such as grassland and farmland, and feeds on small insects and spiders. Nocturnal, it can sometimes be seen darting quickly through grassy patches beside forest roads. It differs in habitat from a forest-dwelling relative of the same genus, and the two are sometimes confused. It carries no legal capture restriction like a Natural Monument designation, but it is listed as Near Threatened by the Ministry of the Environment.
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.
