Content
- asian black bear
- Yezo deer
- Japanese serau
- Red fox
- japanese mink
- japanese badger
- raccoon dog
- Iriomot cat
- Tsushima-island snake
- Manchurian Crane
- 30 Typical Japanese Animals
- Japan's animals in danger of extinction
Japan is a country located in East Asia, comprising 6,852 islands that have an extensive area of more than 377,000 km². Thanks to this, in Japan it is possible to find up to nine ecoregions, each with its own native species of flora and fauna.
In this PeritoAnimal article, we will explain in detail the characteristics of 10 most popular animals and known in Japan, offering a list with names, photographs and trivia. Do you want to meet them? Keep reading and find out 50 animals from Japan!
asian black bear
The first of 10 animals from Japan is the asian black bear (Ursus thibetanus), one of the most popular types of bear in the world, which is currently found in vulnerability situation according to the IUCN Red List. It is a species that lives not only in the Japanese country, but also in Iran, Korea, Thailand and China, among others.
It is characterized by measuring almost two meters and weighing between 100 and 190 kilos. Its coat is long, abundant and black, with the exception of a cream colored patch in the shape of a V, located on the chest. It is an omnivorous animal that feeds on plants, fish, birds, insects, mammals and carrion.
Yezo deer
O deer-sika-yezo (Cervus nippon yesoensis) is a subspecies of the sika deer (cervus nippon). Although it is not known how he arrived on the island of Hokkaido, where he lives, this deer is without doubt one of the most typical animals in Japan. The Sika Yezo variety is the largest deer that can be found in the Japanese country. It is distinguished by its reddish fur with white spots on the back, in addition to the characteristic crests.
Japanese serau
Between the typical japan animals, is the Japanese serau (Capricornis crispus), endemic species to the islands of Honshu, Shikoku and Kyushu. It is a mammal of the antelopes family, characterized by abundant gray. It is a herbivorous animal with diurnal habits. Also, shape couples monogamous and it defends its territory with ferocity, although there is no sexual dimorphism between males and females. Its life expectancy is 25 years.
Red fox
THE Red fox (Vulpes Vulpes) is another animal from Japan, although it is also possible to find it in different countries in Europe, Asia and even North America. It is a nocturnal animal that takes advantage of the lack of light to hunt insects, amphibians, mammals, birds and eggs. As for physical appearance, it is characterized by measuring a maximum of 1.5 meters from head to tail. The coat varies from red to black on the legs, ears and tail.
japanese mink
another of typical japan animals and the japanese mink (tuesday melampus), a mammal that was also introduced to Korea, although it is not determined whether they can still be found there. Many of her habits are unknown, but she probably has an omnivorous diet, feeding on plants and animals. In addition, it prefers to live in wooded areas with abundant vegetation, where it plays a significant role as seed disperser.
japanese badger
Between the native japan animals, it is also possible to mention the japanese badger (Meles anakuma), an omnivorous species that inhabits the islands of Shodoshima, Shikoku, Kyushu and Honshu. This animal lives both in evergreen forests and in areas where conifers grow. The species feeds on earthworms, berries and insects. It is currently in endangered due to hunting and the expansion of urban areas.
raccoon dog
O raccoon dog, also known as mapach dog (procyonoid nyctereutes), is a raccoon-like mammal that lives in Japan, although it can also be found natively in China, Korea, Mongolia, Vietnam, and in some areas of Russia. Furthermore, it has been introduced in several countries in Europe.
It lives in humid forests near water sources. It feeds mainly on berries and fruits, although it is also able to hunt animals and eat carrion. Also, the raccoon dog is among the sacred animals in japan, as it is part of mythology as a figure capable of changing shape and playing tricks on human beings.
Iriomot cat
Another animal from Japan is the irimot cat (Prionailurus bengalensis), endemic to the island of Iriomote, where it is critically endangered. It lives in both lowlands and high mountains and feeds on mammals, fish, insects, crustaceans and amphibians. The species is threatened by the development of cities, which creates competition with domestic cats for food and threats of predation by dogs.
Tsushima-island snake
Another animal on the list of typical japan animals and the Tsushima snake (Gloydius tsushimaensis), endemic to the island that gives it that name. Is poisonous species adapted to aquatic environments and humid forests. This snake feeds on frogs and raises litters of up to five cubs, starting in September. There are few details about their other lifestyle habits.
Manchurian Crane
The last animal on our list of animals from Japan is the Manchurian crane (Grus japonensis), which can be found in Japan, although some populations breed in Mongolia and Russia. The species adapts to different habitats, although it prefers areas close to water sources. The crane feeds on fish, crabs and other marine animals. Currently, is in danger of extinction.
30 Typical Japanese Animals
As we told you, the Japanese country surprises with its varied and rich fauna, that's why we decided to prepare an extra list with the names of 30 typical animals from Japan which is also worth getting to know, so that you can research more about them and discover their peculiarities:
- Hokkaido Brown Bear;
- Japanese monkey;
- Boar;
- Onagatori;
- Giant Flying Squirrel;
- Steller's Sea Lion;
- Japanese snipe;
- Japanese Fire Salamander;
- Kittlitz diamond;
- Ogasawara's Bat;
- Dugong;
- Versicolor Pheasant;
- Steller's Sea Eagle;
- Japanese wolf;
- Japanese scribe;
- Royal Eagle;
- Ishizuchi salamander;
- White-tailed eagle;
- Japanese salamander;
- Japanese arboreal frog;
- Carp-Koi;
- Asian Azorean eagle;
- Red-headed Starling;
- Copper Pheasant;
- Japanese tortoise;
- Porous frog;
- Sato's Oriental Salamander;
- Japanese Warbler;
- Tohucho salamander.
Japan's animals in danger of extinction
In the Japanese country there are also several species that are at risk of disappearing in a few years, mainly due to the action of man in their habitat. These are some of the Japan's endangered animals:
- Red fox (Vulpes Vulpes);
- Japanese Badger (Meles anakuma);
- Iriomot Cat (Prionailurus bengalensis);
- Manchurian Crane (Grus japonensis);
- Japanese monkey (Beetle monkey);
- Japanese blue whiting (Sillago japonica);
- Japanese Angel Dogfish (japonica squatina);
- Japanese eel (Anguilla japonica);
- Japanese bat (Eptesicus japonensis);
- Ibis-do-Japan (nipponia nippon).
If you want to read more articles similar to Japan Animals: Features and Photos, we recommend that you enter our Curiosities section of the animal world.