Raising awareness for conservation of Japan's most extensive evergreen forest

The Yambaru Wildlife Conservation Center Ufugi Nature Museum was established to raise public awareness of conservation initiatives and research to protect the nature and wildlife of the region. The word "yambaru" refers to the northern part of Okinawa Island, and Yambaru is the largest subtropical evergreen forest in Japan. However, the forests in the region have been drastically reduced, and many indigenous Okinawan plants and animals are listed as endangered species.

The center hosts exhibits that introduce the unique characteristics and origins of the endemic species of Yambaru, nocturnal animals, threatened species, and the challenges that conservation efforts face, a reference library and lounge, and a video room with an eighteen-minute video on the forest ecosystem. It also has a collection of taxidermy mounts of mammals and birds such as the Ryukyu giant rat and Okinawa rail bird, which are now protected due to invasive predators and loss of habitat.