
Streams in Kume-jima
- Country:Japan
- Site number:1845
- Area:255 ha
- Designation date:30-10-2008
- Coordinates:26°22'N 126°46'E
Overview
Streams in Kume-jima. 30/10/08; Okinawa; 255 ha; 26°22'N 126°46'E. Habitat/ Species Management Area, Habitat Conservation Area. The site mainly consists of streams flowing from Mt Uegusuku on Kume-jima in the Ryukyu Islands, creating an important habitat for endangered species under IUCN Red List and National Protected Species lists, including bird species like Amami Woodcock (Scolopax mira) and reptile species like Kikuzato's Stream (or Brook) Snake (Opisthotropis kikuzatoi), Ryukyu black-breasted leaf turtle (Geoemyda japonica), and Kuroiwa ground gecko (Goniurosaurus kuroiwae yamashinae) as well as some endemic species. The vegetation with Psychotria rubra - Castanopsis sieboldiissp. lutchuensis and Pinus luchuensis serves as excellent habitat for these rare species. Ruins of Uegusuku Castle in the site are an Okinawa Prefectural historical site. Surrounding communities use stream water for liquor production. Decrease of stream flow due to water withdrawals, disruption by invasive alien species like Bullfrogs(Rana catesbeiana), and disturbance to stream environment from gusty heavy rain and floods due to steep landscapes are some of the potential threats in the site. A management plan is in place. Ramsar site no. 1845. Most recent RIS information: 2008.
- National legal designation:
- Habitat Conservation Area
- Last publication date:30-10-2008