The Yaeyama harpist frog (Nidirana okinavana) is a medium-sized frog. Its distribution is limited to areas on Ishigaki Island, Iriomote Island, and Taiwan. This species only digs spawning burrows in wetlands and is listed on the Ministry of Environment’s Red List of Endangered Species as vulnerable (VU). The decline of its population is due to the human development of wetland areas.
Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium has successfully bred the Yaeyama harpist frog for the first time in captivity. Key ecological data about the Yaeyama harpist frog was collected by observing its first season of reproductive behaviors, the number spawning, the spawning interval, the hatching rate, and growth records of tadpoles and juveniles. This data will contribute to conservation measures for this species.
The results showed aggressive behaviors between males in relation to breeding, the size of breeding nests, and the number of eggs laid. For more information see the referenced scientific paper. Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium will continue to study the rare amphibians and reptiles of the Ryukyu Islands, and use this knowledge to aid in their conservation.
※ As we monitor their condition, we are considering an exhibit of a captive born Yaeyama harpist frog.

Authors name

Kei Yamazaki、 Takahide Sasai

Paper Title

Reproduction and rearing of tadpoles and juveniles of the Yaeyama harpist frog, Nidirana okinavana, in captivity

Journal Name

AKAMATA