Japan is a country located in East Asia, made up of 6,852 islands, which also has an extensive area, exceeding 377,000 km2Thanks to this, we found up to nine ecoregions, each with its own native species of flora and fauna Do you want to discover what the animals of Japan are?
In this article on our site we will talk in detail about the characteristics of the 10 most popular and well-known animals in Japan, offering you a list with names, photographs and curiosities. Do you dare to meet them? Surely more than one will surprise you, guaranteed!
1. Asiatic black bear
The first of Japan's 10 animals is the asian black bear (Ursus thibetanus) one of the most popular types of bears in the world, which is currently in vulnerable situation according to the IUCN red list. It is a species that lives not only in Japan, 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 The coat is long, abundant and black, except for a cream-colored spot 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.
two. sika deer
The sika yezo deer (Cervus nippon pisoensis) is a subspecies of the sika deer (Cervus nippon). Although it is unknown how it came to the island of Hokkaido, where it lives, it is without a doubt one of the typical animals of JapanThe sika yezo variety is the largest deer that can be found in Japan. It is distinguished by its reddish fur with white spots on its back, in addition to its characteristic crests.
3. Japanese serau
Among the animals native to Japan is found in the Japanese serau(Capricornis crispus), a species endemic to the islands of Honshu, Shikoku and Kyushu. It is a mammal of the ungulate family that is characterized by abundant gray fur. It is a herbivorous animal with diurnal habits. In addition, it forms monogamous pairs and fiercely defends its territory, although no sexual dimorphism is observed between males and females. His life expectancy is 25 years.
4. Red fox
The red fox (Vulpes vulpes) is another of Japan's animals, although it can also be found in different European countries, Asia and even in North America. It is a nocturnal animal that takes advantage of the lack of light to hunt insects, amphibians, mammals, birds and eggs Regarding its physical appearance, it is distinguished by measuring a maximum 1.5 meters from head to tail. The fur has variations of red and a black coloration on the legs, ears and tail.
5. Japanese marten
Another of the typical animals of Japan is the Japanese marten(Martes melampus), a mammal that was also introduced in Korea, although it is not decisive that specimens are still found there. Many of its habits are unknown, but it presumably follows an omnivorous diet, feeding on both plants and animals. In addition, this marten prefers to live in wooded areas with abundant vegetation, where it plays a significant role as a seed disperser
6. Japanese Badger
Among the animals native to Japan, it is also possible to mention the Japanese badger(Meles anakuma), an omnivorous species that inhabits the islands of Shodoshima, Shikoku, Kyushu and Honshu. It lives both in evergreen forests and in areas where conifers grow. The species feeds on earthworms, berries, and insects. Today it is endangered due to hunting and urban expansion.
7. Raccoon Dog
The raccoon dog, also known as tanuki (Nyctereutes procyonoides), is a raccoon-like mammal that lives in Japan, although it can also be found natively in China, Korea, Mongolia, Vietnam and some areas of Russia. In addition, it was introduced in several European countries.
Lives in humid forests near water sources. It feeds mainly on berries and fruits, although it is also capable of hunting animals and eating carrion. In addition, the raccoon dog is among the sacred animals of Japan, since it is part of its mythology as a figure capable of changing shape and playing tricks on beings humans.
8. Cat Iriomote
Another of Japan's animals is the Iriomote cat (Prionailurus bengalensis), endemic to Iriomote Island, where it is found in critically endangered It lives both in lowlands and in high mountains, and feeds on mammals, fish, insects, crustaceans and amphibians. The species is threatened by the development of cities, which has generated competition with domestic cats for food, threats of predation by dogs.
9. Tsushima Island Snake
Another animal native to Japan is the Tsushima snake (Gloydius tsushimaensis), endemic to the island that gives it its name. It is a poisonous species adapted to aquatic environments and humid forests. The snake feeds on frogs and raises litters of up to five beginning in September. Few details are known about his other lifestyle habits.
10. Red-crowned Crane
The last animal on our list of animals of Japan is the Crown Crane (Grus japonensis), which can be found in the country Japanese, 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. It is currently endangered
More Japanese Animals Worth Knowing
As we have told you, the Japanese country surprises with its varied and rich fauna, so we have decided to prepare an extra list with the names of 30 Japanese animalsthat are also worth knowing, so you can search for more about them and discover their peculiarities:
- Hokkaido Brown Bear
- Japanese Macaque
- Wild pig
- Onagadori
- Giant Flying Squirrel
- Steller sea lion
- Japanese Snipe
- Japanese Fire-Bellied Newt
- Blueface Diamond
- Ogasawara Bat
- Dugong
- Green Pheasant
- Steller's Sea Eagle
- Japanese Wolf
- Japanese Scribe
- Onagadori
- Golden Eagle
- Ishizuchi salamander
- Eagle eagle
- Japanese Salamander
- Japanese Tree Frog
- Koi Carp
- Asian goshawk eagle
- Red-faced Starling
- Copper Pheasant
- Japanese Pond Turtle
- Daruma Frog
- Eastern Sato fire salamander
- Japanese mosquito net
- Tohucho Salamander
Endangered Animals of Japan
In Japan there are also various species that could disappear in a few years, especially due to the action of man on their habitat. Here are some of the Endangered Animals in Japan:
- Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes)
- Japanese badger (Meles anakuma)
- Iriomote cat (Prionailurus bengalensis)
- Crown Crane (Grus japonensis)
- Japanese Macaca (Macaca fuscata)
- Japanese Silago (Sillago japonica)
- Japanese angelshark (Squatina japonica)
- Japanese eel (Anguilla japonica)
- Japanese bat (Eptesicus japonensis)
- Japanese Tufted Ibis (Nipponia nippon)
