日本の天然記念動物 (Nihon no Tennen Kinen Doubutsu) – Japanese Natural Monument Animals

13th May – 皐月

-カモシカ (Kamoshika)

As it has the name ‘Shika’, some people might have thought it is related to deer. However it is actually species related to cows. Kamoshika lives in the steep mountains. Due to the extinction of ニホンオオカミ (Nihon Ookami = Japanese wolf), Kamoshika increased its numbers, but because of the deforestation it has been losing the number. Kamoshika does not attack people so if you see them on the mountain, do not panic!

-奈良の鹿 (Nara no Shika)

Famous deer on the street in Nara is also specified as a natural monument. Those dears are believed to be the servant of the god therefore they have been treated carefully and preciously taken care of.

-マリモ　(Marimo)

Only exists in one Hokkaido lake, 阿寒湖 (Akan ko). It has a round shape and looks like a plants under the water. Marimo is formed with strings of alga, when many of them are intertwined, this round and hard shape is made. They prefer the area where has a lot sunlight. It is said that when Marimo becomes 6 cm, it takes about 150 to 200 years. One biggest Marimo was recorded as 30 cm .

-イリオモテヤマネコ (Iriomote Yamaneko)

As the name shows, the wild cat イリオモテヤマネコ only exist in Iriomote island, Okinawa.They are believed to have come from China in ancient time. They live in beach, forest, mountains etc so pretty much everywhere in that island.

Let’s keep the beautiful nature and live in the same earth for many years!