Predation of the endangered Miyako grass lizard Takydromus toyamai by the introduced Japanese weasel Mustela itatsi

Abstract

We report the discovery of bones and body-parts of the endemic grass lizard Takydromus toyamai from non-native Japanese weasel Mustela itatsi feces collected on Miyakojima and Irabujima in the Miyako Islands, Ryukyu Archipelago, Japan. The results are suggestive of the cause of the recent serious population decline in this endangered lizard species, and are further evidence of predation on indigenous terrestrial animals of this archipelago, including those of rare and endemic species, by introduced M. itatsi.