The Ecology of the Rare Amami Rabbit
Amami Oshima is home to many endemic wildlife, but the most famous among them is the Amami rabbit. Known as a “living fossil,” the Amami rabbit is a primitive, nocturnal species that has existed on Earth for over 3 million years with little evolutionary change. It is a true icon of Amami Oshima and can only be found in the forests of this island. Thanks to successful conservation efforts in recent years, its population is slowly increasing but it remains a rare and special sight.
The Amami Rabbit is a wild animal that only inhabits Amami Oshima and Tokunoshima island. Measuring about 50 centimeters in length, it has a large body and a small face. Since there are no captive individuals, many aspects of its biology remain a mystery, including the number of offspring it produces in its lifetime, which is still unknown.
| Scientific name | Pentalagus furnessi |
| Habitat | Amami Oshima, Tokunoshima |
| Activity | Nocturnal |
| Conservation status | Endangered |
Activity Patterns of the Amami Rabbit
The Amami Rabbit is nocturnal and begins its activities just before dusk when it emerges from its burrow. It is rarely seen during the day. In fact, during my time as a guide, I’ve only seen one during daylight hours. Its dark fur makes it hard to spot, so extra caution is needed when driving at night.
Best Time to Spot the Amami Rabbit
Wildlife on Amami Oshima, including the Amami rabbit, does not hibernate. This means there are opportunities to see the rabbit throughout the year. It is said that the population of the Amami Rabbit has been increasing in recent years, which means the chances of spotting one are higher. However, on rainy days, the rabbits tend to stay hidden, making sightings less likely.
