Animals of Forest

Amphibians

Amphibians in the Amami islands.

Like reptiles, amphibians in the Amami islands consists of different species from those found in mainland Japan. In particular, Ryukyu spiny newt (Echinotriton andersoni) is known as, from its appearance, a remnant species from older geological ages.

Frogs in the Amami islands includes nine unique species: Otton frog (Babina subaspera), Amami Ishikawa frog (Odorrana splendida), Amami tip-nosed frog (Odorrana amamiensis), Ryukyu Kajika frog (Buergeria japonica), Ryukyu aka frog (Rana okinavana), Okinawan tree frog (Rhacophorus viridis amamiensis), Numa frog (Fejervarya limnocharis), Okinawa rice frog (Microhyla okinavensis), Hallowell’s tree frog (Hyla hallowellii). Large frogs in the forests are precious species.

Ryukyu spiny newt (Echinotriton andersoni)

This salamander family species preserves the primitive appearance, often referred to as a “living fossil.” A natural monument designated by Kagoshima Prefecture.

Ryukyu spiny newt (Echinotriton andersoni)

Otton frog (Babina subaspera)

A large frog grows up to 15 cm long, featuring five fingers in its forelegs. The nocturnal reptile makes big cough-like sounds. They found in Amami Oshima island and Kakeromajima island only. A natural monument designated by Kagoshima prefecture.

Otton frog (Babina subaspera)

Amami Ishikawa frog (Odorrana splendida)

Found in sources of streams in Amami Oshima island. The golden mosaic pattern on their back makes people call it the most beautiful frog in Japan. A natural monument designated by Kagoshima prefecture.