News On Japan

Dugong Spotted off Kume Island for First Time Since 2019

NAHA, May 03 (News On Japan) - A dugong, a nationally protected species feared to be at risk of extinction, was spotted swimming off the coast of Kume Island in Okinawa Prefecture in April. This marks the first confirmed sighting of a dugong in Okinawa since 2019.

The footage was taken on April 29th at a diving site southwest of Kume Island. A diver can be seen pointing in astonishment as the marine mammal glides peacefully through the water. The dugong is estimated to measure over two meters in length.

Kaji Harumi, a diving instructor who captured the footage, recalled the moment with excitement, saying it was the first time in her 20 years of diving that she had seen a dugong and that the encounter felt "unbelievable."

Kaji from Kumejima Diving Center SHIRAHAMA said: "I never thought I’d ever meet such a creature through diving, so this became an unforgettable, irreplaceable dive and a truly valuable experience."

Dugongs, which are designated as a national natural monument, are known to graze on seagrass beds in waters around Okinawa’s main island and the Sakishima Islands. Evidence of feeding has been found in these areas in the past.

Hiroyuki Ozawa, director of the Okinawa Prefectural Institute of Environmental Science and a dugong expert, confirmed the animal as a dugong based on the shape of its head and tail and the absence of a dorsal fin. He added that based on the body’s scars and other features, it is likely the same individual that was captured in Taiwan in April and later released into the sea.

The last dugong confirmed in Okinawa was found dead in Nakijin Village in 2019. The Okinawa government is now considering conducting a survey to investigate dugong habitation around Kume Island.

Source: 沖縄ニュースOTV

News On Japan
POPULAR NEWS

Plans are underway to install designated smoking areas inside the Expo site for the first time.

Okinawa Prefecture has issued a warning to watch out for habu snakes, which become more active as temperatures rise in May, particularly during farming and outdoor activities in mountainous areas.

A man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after driving into seven elementary school children near an Osaka school as they were walking home.

Flowers believed to be illegal poppies -- a variety used as a raw material for opium -- were found at Uminonakamichi Seaside Park in Fukuoka City, where cultivation is prohibited by law, and were incinerated by the management center on April 30th during the ongoing 'Flower Picnic' event.

A 5,000-yen afternoon tea set sold at the UK Pavilion of the Osaka-Kansai Expo has sparked criticism, prompting an apology from the British Embassy.

MEDIA CHANNELS
         

MORE Travel NEWS

A dugong, a nationally protected species feared to be at risk of extinction, was spotted swimming off the coast of Kume Island in Okinawa Prefecture in April. This marks the first confirmed sighting of a dugong in Okinawa since 2019.

Footage captured on May 1st shows a newborn fawn walking unsteadily. The fawn, a female measuring 51 centimeters in length and weighing 3,140 grams, was found that afternoon and is now staying at the nearby Rokuen protection facility with its mother. They will remain there until July.

Nagoya’s first “Untertainment” attraction—combining poop-themed fun and entertainment—is set to open on May 4th on the third floor of LaLaport Nagoya Minato AQULS in Minato Ward.

A 5,000-yen afternoon tea set sold at the UK Pavilion of the Osaka-Kansai Expo has sparked criticism, prompting an apology from the British Embassy.

The India Pavilion at the Osaka-Kansai Expo opened on May 1st, marking its debut 18 days after the international event began on April 13th.

The Tokaido Shinkansen resumed service at 7:00 p.m. on April 30th after a power outage forced a suspension of operations, but major delays continued to affect the timetable.

During Golden Week, major sightseeing spots across Japan are expected to see heavy crowds, but in the Shumokucho district of Higashi Ward, Nagoya, visitors can quietly enjoy a retro atmosphere reminiscent of the Taisho era.

The entire population of pandas at Adventure World in Shirahama, Wakayama Prefecture, is being returned to China, delivering a major blow to both the mayor and residents. The emotional and economic impact is significant.