English Common Name

Japanese Deer, Ryukyu Sika, Kerama Sika, Sika Deer

Scientific name

Cervus nippon keramae

Taxonomy

Order: Cetartiodactyla, Family: Cervidae

Species Distribution

Islands such as Aka, Geruma, Yakabi, and Fukaji Islands

Okinawan Common Name

Koh-nashi, Kohnu-shishi

National Natural Monument

It is a subspecies of Cervus Nippon, and thought to be introduced from Satsuma, around Kagoshima Prefecture nowadays, about 400 years ago. Compared to those in mainland Japan, it is generally small and dark-colored. It is known to swim between islands in Kerama Islands.

---

※Please Note!
/Cervus nippon keramae is listed as National Natural Monument. Please refer to Japan’s Law for the Protection of Cultural Properties.

Updated July 2018

back to "Movies of Okinawa creatures" page