Nature of the Amami

Differences in how islands formed within the same subtropical oceanic climate created differences in the nature that ultimately developed on each island. Kikaijima is one of the low islands that were created by rising coral reefs and still rises an average 2 mm annually. Okinoerabujima is marked by as many as 200 - 300 limestone caverns, and the entire circumference of Yoronjima is skirted by fringing reef.
Among the high islands with tall mountains, Amami Oshima is known as a treasure trove of endemic species replete with thick forests, long rivers and mangroves. Similarly, the dense Tokunoshima woods are also key to the World Natural Heritage.