Yambaru National Park is covered with lush subtropical laurel forests which include beech trees, itajii trees (Castanopsis sieboldii), and flowering vines such as the Irukanda (Mucuna macrocarpa Wall.). The rich vegetation nurtures a striking variety of rare and endemic species such as the Okinawa rail, and Okinawa woodpecker, long-haired rat, Okinawa spiny rat.
Plants
Okinawa Sekkoku
The Okinawa sekkoku (Dendrobium okinawense) is a rare species of orchid endemic to the Yambaru area. It usually grows on the trunks of tall trees such as the itajii tree, and produces white flowers from winter to spring. It is a National Endangered Species and is strictly protected.
Okinawa Sekkoku
Irukanda
Irukanda (Mucuna macrocarpa Wall.) is a long-stemmed, woody climbing vine that blooms with bunches of three-petaled, purple flowers. It grows in tropical and subtropical climates—blooming in Yambaru's forests from March to May. Vistors can see the blooms along the walking paths around Daisekirinzan, an area within the national park famous for its Karst topography.
Irukanda blossom
Animals
Okinawa Rail
The Okinawa rail (Gallirallus okinawae) is a flightless bird endemic to the Yambaru region in the north of Okinawa Island. It builds its nest on the ground and climbs trees in the evening to sleep. The Okinawa rail is facing extinction and is a Natural National Monument, a National Endangered Species and is strictly protected. Visitors can learn more about this endemic species at the Okinawa Rail Ecology Center Rail Forest in the village of Kunigami.
Okinawa rail
Okinawa Woodpecker
The Okinawa woodpecker (Sapheopipo noguchii) is a pale-billed, reddish-brown woodpecker that inhabits Yambaru's evergreen, broad-leaved forests. The species typically builds its nests in itaji, Japanese bay, and chinaberry trees. Both male and female birds build the nest together, beginning by drilling a hole into the trunk of the tree which can take from a few weeks to a month. The species is endangered with a declining population and is endemic to Okinawa Island.
Okinawa woodpecker