Rediscovery After Thirty Years Since the Last Capture of the Critically Endangered Okinawa Spiny RatTokudaia muenninkiin the Northern Part of Okinawa Island

After a 30-year absence, the critically endangered Okinawa spiny rat (Tokudaia muenninki) was rediscovered in the northern part of Okinawa Island. Using sensor cameras and traps deployed from 2007 to 2009, researchers captured 24 individuals, confirming their survival in a tiny, isolated area (1–3 km²) dominated by mature broadleaf forests. This discovery follows indirect evidence from feral cat feces in 2001 but contradicts fears of extinction. The spiny rats were found only in the northernmost surveyed region, highlighting urgent conservation needs for this dwindling population.

Yamada, F., Kawauchi, N., Nakata, K., Abe, S., Kotaka, N., Takashima, A., Murata, C., & Kuroiwa, A. (2010). Rediscovery After Thirty Years Since the Last Capture of the Critically Endangered Okinawa Spiny RatTokudaia muenninkiin the Northern Part of Okinawa Island. Mammal Study, 35(4), 243–255. https://doi.org/10.3106/041.035.0404