Records and distribution of the endangered Tokunoshima spiny rat Tokudaia tokunoshimensis on Tokunoshima island, Japan, from 2005 to 2016

Abstract

The Tokunoshima spiny rat Tokudaia tokunoshimensis is an endemic species in Tokunoshima Island, southern Japan, and an endangered species. However, records and data on the distribution of this species are extremely limited. The objective of this study was to determine the current status of the Tokunoshima spiny rat, to assist in the establishment of conservation measures. We incorporated a broad field survey from 2011 to 2015 and examined collection records for Tokunoshima Island until 2016. This study identified core habitat areas for the Tokunoshima spiny rat around Mt. Amagi-dake, Mt. Inokawa-dake, and Mt. Inutabu-dake. We also identified areas where there are no records of the Tokunoshima spiny rat since 2006.