Predation on Endangered Species by Cats in the Northern Forests of Okinawa-Jima Island, Japan

A significant predation pressure on native endemic vertebrates, particularly the endangered Okinawa spiny rat (Tokudaia muenninki), by domestic cats was identified in the northern forests of Okinawa-jima Island, Japan. The study analyzed 60 cat scats collected from route surveys and captured cats between 2013 and 2018, revealing that 61.1% contained traces of the spiny rat, with even higher prevalence (71.4%) in core routes near their distribution area. Ryukyu long-furred rats (Diplothrix legata) were also frequently detected, suggesting cats pose a substantial threat to these vulnerable species. The research highlights the need for targeted conservation measures to mitigate the impact of domestic cats on endangered wildlife in UNESCO-listed sites like Amami-Oshima and Iriomote Islands.

Kobayashi, S., Kinjo, T., Kuroda, Y., Kinjo, M., Okawara, Y., Izawa, M., Onuma, M., Haga, A., Nakaya, Y., & Nagamine, T. (2019). Predation on Endangered Species by Cats in the Northern Forests of Okinawa-Jima Island, Japan. Mammal Study, 45(1), 63. https://doi.org/10.3106/ms2019-0017