Amami-Oshima is an island in the far south of Japan famed for its natural environment, home to many rare species only found here and on islands nearby. The island's biodiversity, having over 700 native species, led to it being listed as a part of UNESCO's World Natural Heritage site in 2021. On this small island, rare animals and people live so close that accidents harming the wildlife has been happening frequently. However, thanks to the efforts of the islanders and their local veterinarian, measures to protect this biodiversity are succeeding.
VIDEO BY MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF JAPAN