Important Sanctuaries for Rare Flora and Fauna
Tokunoshima Island shares a similar history with the larger Amami Oshima. Amami Oshima and Tokunoshima are islands in a chain that stretches from the base of Kagoshima Prefecture (southern Kyushu) to the northern tip of the Okinawa archipelago. The islands support a broad range of rare flora and fauna, and local communities take conserving this rich biodiversity extremely seriously.
Tokunoshima, a 35-minute flight from Amami Oshima, was isolated for millions of years, leaving flora and fauna on the island to evolve without outside interference. The northern and central parts of the island are dominated by mountains and forests that provide a habitat for a wealth of wild species. In contrast, the western and southern areas are made up of gently sloping plateaus suitable for farming. The primary crop of Tokunoshima is sugarcane. The Chinese banyans here are thought to be over 300 years old, with leaves and branches spanning 30–40 meters (100-130 ft.). The trees are planted close to the iconic limestone walls that ring the traditional-style houses because Chinese banyans act as windbreaks that protect residents from the frequent typhoons. Today, the island supports many rare and protected species, including the Ryukyu robin and the Tokunoshima spiny rat.
The landscape of Tokunoshima includes many distinct and noteworthy geological formations. Centuries of changing sea levels and erosion by wind and waves have created various striking landforms. Amami Oshima and Tokunoshima are aiming to gain World Heritage Site designation from UNESCO, and increased conservation efforts of the island's precious ecosystems are a motivator to achieve this goal. A world heritage-designation would likely lead to greater protections, safeguarding the islands' rich biodiversity.
Tokunoshima, a 35-minute flight from Amami Oshima, was isolated for millions of years, leaving flora and fauna on the island to evolve without outside interference. The northern and central parts of the island are dominated by mountains and forests that provide a habitat for a wealth of wild species. In contrast, the western and southern areas are made up of gently sloping plateaus suitable for farming. The primary crop of Tokunoshima is sugarcane. The Chinese banyans here are thought to be over 300 years old, with leaves and branches spanning 30–40 meters (100-130 ft.). The trees are planted close to the iconic limestone walls that ring the traditional-style houses because Chinese banyans act as windbreaks that protect residents from the frequent typhoons. Today, the island supports many rare and protected species, including the Ryukyu robin and the Tokunoshima spiny rat.
The landscape of Tokunoshima includes many distinct and noteworthy geological formations. Centuries of changing sea levels and erosion by wind and waves have created various striking landforms. Amami Oshima and Tokunoshima are aiming to gain World Heritage Site designation from UNESCO, and increased conservation efforts of the island's precious ecosystems are a motivator to achieve this goal. A world heritage-designation would likely lead to greater protections, safeguarding the islands' rich biodiversity.
