The Science Bridge

Okinawa’s forests are home to many colorful animal species, including these Calliphara exellens. Some of these species face conservation challenges from habitat loss and invasive species.

A protected bird in Japan, the Okinawa rail (Gallirallus okinawae) resides only in the north of Okinawa.

The Ryukyu robin (Larvivora komadori) is native to Japan’s Ryuku Islands.

There are fewer animal sounds in the south of Okinawa, where the landscape is more urban. (Image: Map created by Kenneth Dudley using data from the U.S. Geological Survey.)

Members of the House of Representatives’ Special Committee on Science Technology and Innovation with OIST Provost Robert Baughman (center), Dr. Takanari Ichikawa (second from left), and Mr. Takao Kuramochi, Director General for Science, Technology and Innovation Policy, Cabinet Office