Fears of ecological crisis as Okinawa’s wildlife falls prey to poachers

Hermit crabs, turtles and other species found only in Okinawa are vanishing from its beaches, as smugglers and souvenir-hunting tourists strip Japan’s southernmost islands of their unique wildlife.

Researchers and conservationists say the growing number of poaching cases points to a mounting ecological crisis and warn that without stronger protections, some of these species could soon disappear altogether.

James Reimer, who has lived in Okinawa for 18 years and is a professor of marine biology at the University of the Ryukyus, says there is no data to indicate whether there has been a decline in coastal organisms in the area.

“But my gut feeling, in terms of what I see when I walk on the beaches here and from what other people tell me, it is definitely getting worse,” he told This Week in Asia.

“There are regularly stories in the local media about people being arrested for collecting large numbers of endemic species. Usually the stories in the papers are about foreigners being caught, but half the time it is locals. But even when it is locals, it is clear that they are to be taken abroad, that the demand is overseas.”

A sea turtle in Ama Beach in Okinawa, Japan. The island’s hermit crabs and turtles are among the species targeted by poachers and smugglers. Photo: Shutterstock

Ryukyu leaf turtles are legally protected and are only found on the main island of Okinawa and two smaller islands.

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