Amami Guntō National Park

Lore & Background

The park was established on 7 March 2017, subsuming the former Amami Guntō Quasi-National Park founded on 15 February 1974. It includes parts of twelve municipalities: Amagi, Amami, China, Isen, Kikai, Setouchi, Tatsugō, Tokunoshima, Uken, Wadomari, Yamato, and Yoron. The designation of this national park, alongside Yanbaru National Park, is part of the movement to have Amami-Oshima Island, Tokunoshima Island, the northern part of Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Reader's Guide

Amami Guntō National Park is significant for its unique ecosystems, including coral reefs, mangrove forests, and tidal flats. It hosts endemic species such as the Amami rabbit, Ryukyu spiny rat, Amami's jay, Ryukyu robin, and the Habu snake. The park's geography varies across islands: Yuwandake on Amami Ōshima features subtropical hardwood forests; Kikaijima has coastal terraces and coral reef plateaus; Tokunoshima is a limestone island with karst topography and sea caves; Okinoerabujima contains large-scale caves and sea cliffs; and Yoronjima is surrounded by coral reefs. The Amami Wildlife Center, managed by Japan's Ministry of the Environment, works to protect the natural ecosystem. As a World Heritage Site candidate, the park represents a key conservation area in the Ryukyu Islands.

Did You Know?

• It includes parts of eight islands: Tokunoshima, Kikai, Amami, Yoron, Okinoerabujima, Uke Island, Kakeromajima, and Yoroshima.
• The park is a candidate for UNESCO World Heritage listing, alongside Yanbaru National Park.
• Endemic species include the Amami rabbit, Ryukyu spiny rat, Amami's jay, and the Habu snake.