Ecology
Tsushima Tube-Nosed Bat Niche
The Gloomy Tube-Nosed Bat (Murina Tenebrosa) has an ecological niche of pollinators. Pollinating plants in Tsushima, Japan, cross pollinating and consuming numerous insects. Gloomy Tube-Nosed Bats promote biodiversity in their natural cave and forested environments. Spreading hundreds of seeds with every flower they interact with. What is the niche of a bat? (n.d.). The Murina Tenebrosa inserts its face deeply into plants to drink nectar, covering itself in pollen and pollinating plants with every flower they collect nectar from. These bats support the health of their ecosystems, supporting various species within its shared ecosystem. The Night Life: Why We Need Bats All the Time--Not Just on Halloween. (n.d.). Www.nsf.gov.
The Murina Tenebrosa's Impact on Tsushima's Ecosystems.
The Hitotsubatago tree of Tsushima Japan is known widley throughout the Islands for its stunning bloom of white flowers, taking over mountain sides in May. During May there is an annual Hitosubatago tree festival, celebrating the bloom of these trees. Tsushima Island. 2022. Nature. [online] [Accessed 21 April 2022]. In order for flowers to bloom, pollination must take place. Pollination Requirements - Cooperative Extension: Tree Fruits - University of Maine Cooperative Extension. (n.d.). Cooperative Extension: Tree Fruits. Retrieved May 2, 2022 Tsushima's Ecosystem relies heavily on pollinators similar to the Gloomy Tube-Nosed bat to pollinate and spread the seeds of many plants. A lack of pollinators in this ecosystem would lead to the downfall of plenty of flowering plants, which many insects, bats and birds rely on to survive. .gov, U., 2022. Chionanthus | U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. [online] Fws.gov. [Accessed 21 April 2022]
The Paraglenea Fortunei is an invasive species residing in Tsushima.Ohbayashi , Kato. “Paraglenea Fortunei.” Paraglenea Fortunei / Invasive Species of Japan, Invasive Species of Japan, 2018, The Gloomy Tube-Nosed Bat is commonly known as a fruit bat, but also consumes insects. Contributing to population control of insect species that do damage to plants and japans economy. Plants are vital to many ecological systems, providing food to various species. Without insectivores in these systems, harmful insects would prosper and eventually damage their own habitats. Japanese beetles in yards and gardens. (2018). Umn.edu.
Bat and bird species have positive interactions with one another, both relying on insects to a degree and pollinating their environments. Birds such as the Black-Capped Kingfisher in Tsushima consume large insects.Webbster, M., 2022. Alcedinidae. [online] Merriam Webster.com. [Accessed 21 April 2022 These insects are often found on and around plants, leading to seeds embedding themselves in the fur of these birds. Commonly, these birds will carry seeds in their claws and beaks, spreading seeds throughout Tsushima, as they are migratory birds. The Gloomy Tube-Nosed Bat and the Black-Capped Kingfisher share a food source and benefit the ecological structure of Tsushima. Birds Do It. Bats Do It. (n.d.). Greater Good. Retrieved May 2, 2022,
The migratory species The Painted Lady, is a butterfly that feeds on the nectar of flowers, similar to the Murina Tenebrosa. Conservation, Butterfly. “Painted Lady.” Butterfly Conservation, 2022,These species benefit each other through their own methods of pollination, each pollinating plants in their shared ecosystems. Creating food sources for one another while pollinating plants and aiding many other species in Tsushima, Japan.What do Butterflies Eat? - Animal Corner. (n.d.). Retrieved May 2, 2022,
Organisms Of Tsushima, Japan.
The Murina Tenebrosa of Tsushima shares an ecosystem alongside multitudes of organisms, consisting of plants, mammals, birds, invertebrates, fungi species, and astonishing organisms beyond admiration.
Below are twelve outstanding species, each contributing wonders to their broad ecosystem.
Tsushima Salamander/ Tsushima Sanshou
(Hynobius Tsuensis)
Near Threatened
Taxonomy-
K- Animalia
P- Chordata
C- Amphibia
O- Caudata
F- Hynobiidae
G- Hynobius
S- Hynobius Tsuensis
The Tsushima Salamander (Hynobius Tsuensis) is a near-threatened species of salamander. Located in forests and wetlands throughout Tsushima, Japan, Belonging to the Hynobius genus. SSC), I., 2022. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Hynobius tsuensis. [online] IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.[Accessed 21 April 2022].
The hynobius is a genus of Asian salamanders of the Hynobiidae family. The hynobiidae family is the sister group of the cryptobrancidae family. It consists of an estimated 39 species in seven genera. Commonly found in Japan, Korea, China, Taiwan, and East Russia.
.net, I., 2022. Tsushima Salamander (Hynobius tsuensis). [online] iNaturalist. [Accessed 21 April 2022].
Japanese Marten
(Martes Melampus)
Least Concern
Taxonomy-
K- Animalia
P- Chordata
C- Mammalia
O- Carnivora
F- Mustelidae
G- Martes
S- Martes Melampus
The Japanese Marten (Martes Melampus) species is of least concern in Tsushima, Japan. A member of the Mustelidae family. Located in terrestrial systems of forest, shrubland, and artificial/terrestrial habitat types..net, A., 2022. Japanese Marten - Facts, Diet, Habitat & Pictures on Animalia.bio. [online] Animalia.bio.[Accessed 21 April 2022]. The Mustelidae family is the most prominent family within the Carnivora order. Spread throughout all continents besides Australia and Antarctica and are absent in New Guinea and Madagascar. Alexei Abramov (Zoological Institute, R., Kaneko, Y. and Masuda, R., 2022. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Martes melampus. [online] IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.[Accessed 21 April 2022].
Tsushima Leopard Cat/ Tsushima Yamaneko
(Prionailurus bengalensis euptilurus)
Critically Endangered
Taxonomy-
K- Animalia
P- Chordata
C- Mammalia
O- Carnivora
F- Felidae
G- Prionailurus
S- Bengalensis Euptilurus
The Tsushima/ Yamaneko Leopard Cat (Prionailurus bengalensis) is a critically endangered wildcat in Tsushima, Japan. They suffer from rapid population decline due to habitat degradation and road kills. Conservation Center, T., 2022. National Endangered Species Tsushima Leopard Cat. [online] Kyushu.env.go.jp. [Accessed 21 April 2022].
The Yamaneko Leopard Cat belongs to the Felidae Family, a family of mammals in the Carnivora order. .Com, W., 2022. Leopard cat - Wikipedia. [online] En.wikipedia.org. Available at: April 2022].
The genus prionailurus consists of small Asian Wildcats, the Carnivora order referring to cats. The Fishing Cat, Leopard Cat, Flat Headed Cat, and Rusty Spotted Cat are all Prionailurus genus. Wild Cat Family. 2022. Small Asian Wild Cats ~ Leopard Cat Family ~ Prionailurus. [online]
Hitotsubatago/
Chinese Fringe Trees
(Chionanthus retusus)
Non-Threatened
Taxonomy-
K- Plantae
P- Magnoliophyta
C- Angiospermae
O- Lamiales
F- Oleaceae
G- Chionanthus
S- Chionanthus retusus
The Chinese Fringe Tree (Chiononthus retusus).gov, U., 2022. Chionanthus | U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. [online] Fws.gov. [Accessed 21 April 2022]. is a non-threatened tree native to Tsushima, Japan. Known to Japan as the Hitotsubatago. Brezina, R., 2022. Gumbies: hitotubatago. [online] Vibromama.blogspot.com.[Accessed 21 April 2022]. The Chiononthus retusus of the Plantae kingdom belongs to the Oleaceae family. Gd.eppo.int. 2022. Chionanthus retusus (CIORE)[Overview]| EPPO Global Database. [online] The taxonomic Family of trees, flowering shrubs, and some lianas. Existing within the laminates order. The species Chionanthus retusus is native to Eastern Asia and is a tourist attraction during May's annual Hitotsubatago Flower Festival. Tsushima Island. 2022. Nature. [online] [Accessed 21 April 2022].
Black- Capped Kingfisher
Halcyon pileta
Least Concern
Taxonomy-
K- Animalia
P- Chordata
C- Aves
O- Coraciiformes
F- Alecdinidae
G- Halycon
S- Halcyon Pileta
The Black-capped Kingfisher (Halcyon pileta) belongs to the class Aves and is a species of least concern..net, A., 2022. Black-capped kingfisher - Facts, Diet, Habitat & Pictures on Animalia.bio. [online] Animalia.bio. The Family Alcedinidae consists of large-headed short-bodied birds belonging to the Coraciiformes order. International), I., 2022. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Halcyon pileata. [online] IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. [Accessed 21 April 2022]. The genus Halcyon, the Asian Kingfisher, is native to most Asian countries and is a resident of Tsushima, Japan. Webbster, M., 2022. Alcedinidae. [online] Merriam Webster.com. [Accessed 21 April 2022]. This class of Aves habitat consists of terrestrial, freshwater, and marine inland.Tsushima Island. 2022. Nature. [online] [Accessed 21 April 2022].
Steller's Sea Eagle
(Haliaeetus Pelagicus)
Vulnerable
K- Animalia
P- Chordata
C-Aves
O-Accipitriformes
F- Accipitridae
G- Haliaeetus
S- Haliaeetus Pelagicus
The Steller's Sea Eagle (Haliaeetus Pelagicus) is vulnerable species native to China, Japan, and Korea. The Steller's Sea Eagle belongs to the order Accipitridae, consisting of 225 species of dinurial birds of prey. Kiff, L., 2022. Haliaeetus | bird genus. [online] Encyclopedia Britannica. [Accessed 21 April 2022]. Specifically, the Haliaeetus genus includes many Sea Eagles including the Haliaeetus Pelagicus species. This class of Aves is found in terrestrial, freshwater. and marine systems.
The habitat consists of forest wetlands, rocky areas, and marine environments. The Steller's Sea Eagle is a migrant class of Aves, typically visible during Tsushima Winters. Tsushima Island. 2022. Nature. [online] [Accessed 21 April 2022].
Taxonomy
Paraglenea Fortunei
Least Concern
Taxonomy-
K- Animalia
P- Arthropoda
C- Insecta
O- Coleoptera (beetle)
F- Cerambycidae (longhorn beetles)
G- Paralenea
S- Paraglenea Fortunei
The Paraglenea Fortunei is an invasive species Ohbayashi , Kato. “Paraglenea Fortunei.” Paraglenea Fortunei / Invasive Species of Japan, Invasive Species of Japan, 2018, of Longhorn Beetles belonging to the Cerambycidae Family. This Beetle is a member of the Order Coleoptera and is not an endangered species. fortunei Saunders, Glenea. “Paraglenea Fortunei (Saunders, 1853).” GBIF, Paraglenea Fortunei (Saunders, 1853), 2021,
This Insecta Class of Paraglenea Fortunei is native to Indochina, Continental China, and Taiwan. Schoch CL, et al. NCBI Taxonomy: a comprehensive update on curation, resources and tools. Database (Oxford). 2020 Located in Tsushima, Japan, due to introduction. This Insecta relies on the Urticaccae plants as its habitat. ondrej.zicha(at)gmail.com, Ondrej Zicha; “BioLib: Biological Library.” Paraglenea Fortunei | BioLib.cz, Václav Hanzlík, 2022,
Tsushima Holly Fern/
Korean Rock Ferm
(Polystichum Luctuosum)
Least Concern
Taxonomy-
K- Plantae
P- Tracheophyta
C- Polypodiopsida
O- Polypodiales
F- Dryopteridaceae
G- Polystichum Roth
S- Polystichum Luctuosum
The Tsushima Holly Fern (Polystichum Lustuosum) species is a Herbaceous Evergreen. Garden, Daves. “Plantfiles: Tsushima Holly Fern, Tsus-Sima Holly Fern, Korean Rock Fern.” Dave's Garden, Dave's Garden, 2022,
Commonly referred to as the Korean Rock Fern or Tsus-sima Holly Fern. A Polypodiopsida Class consisting of ferns. The Tsushima Holly Fern is a Sword Fern of the Dryopteridacea Family. State, NC. “Polystichum Luctuosum.” Polystichum Luctuosum (Korean Rock Fern, Tsu-Sima Holly Fern) | North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, 2022,
The sword ferns consist of the Genus, Polystichum Roth. This Genus is typically located in wet, nutrient-rich soil, partially to shade, in shady, rocky mountainous areas of Tsushima, Japan. .org, mindat. “Polypodiopsida - Mindat.org.” Polypodiopsida, Mindat.org, 1993,
Oak Polypore
(Buglossoporus Quercinus)
Vulnerable
Taxonomy-
K- Fungi
P-Basidiomycota
C- Agaricomycetes
O- Polyporales
F- Fomitopsidaceae
G- Buglossoporus
S- Buglossoporus Quercinus
The Oak Polypore (Buglossoporus Quercinus) is a vulnerable species within the Fungi Kingdom. List, The Plant. “The Plant List - A Working List for All Plant Species.” Buglossoides - The Plant List, The Plant List, 2010,
They are distributed throughout temperate leaved forests of Asia, Europe, and the Eastern United States. The Oak Polypore of the Polyporales Order is located in terrestrial systems, typically forest habitats consisting of Oak Trees. Martyn Ainsworth (Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, et al. “The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.” IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, ICUN Red List, 28 Apr. 2021,
The vulnerable Fungi of the Buglossoporus Genus within the Fomitopsidaceae Family are rapidly decreasing in Tsushima, Japan. The vulnerability of the Species in Tsushima results from the mass deforestation of Oak Trees. The Polyorales order is Sapprotrophic, specifically wood-rotters found on dead and living trees and fallen wood. fortunei Saunders, Glenea. “Paraglenea Fortunei (Saunders, 1853).” GBIF, Paraglenea Fortunei (Saunders, 1853), 2021,
Common Green Shield Lichen
(Flavoparmelia Caperata)
Least Concern
Taxonomy-
K- Fungi
P- Ascomycota
C- Lecanoromycetes
O- Lecanorales
F- Parmeliaceae
G- Flavoparmelia
S- Flavoparmelia Caperata
The Common Green Shield Lichen (Flavoparmelia Caperata) is a species of least concern within the Fungi Kingdom. Seasons, MInnesota. “Common Greenshield Lichen.” Minnesota Seasons - Common Greenshield Lichen, 2022,
The Genus Flavoparmelia is a genus of Folise Lichens within the Parmeliaceae Family. .org, Wikipedia. “Flavoparmelia.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 24 Feb. 2021,
Most Parmeliiaceae are found in terrestrial systems, consisting of forest habitat types. The Lecanoromycetes Class are identified as rock-dwelling Fungi and forest substrate, typically tree bark. Hollinger, Jason. “Common Greenshield Lichen.” EOL, 2021,
Painted Lady
(Vanessa Cardui)
Least Concern
Taxonomy-
K- Animalia
P- Arthropoda
C- Insecta
O- Lepidoptera
F- Nymphalidae
G- Vanessa
S- Vanessa Cardui
The Painted Lady (Vanessa Cardui) of the Insecta Class is a Species of Least Concern, spread throughout terrestrial systems of the forest, savanna, shrubland, grassland, wetland, desert, marine, and artificial environments. Anna Walker (Albuquerque Biopark, Anna, and Andre Coetzer (Lepidopterists' Society of Africa). “The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.” IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, 4 May 2020,
The Painted Lady of the Lepidoptera Order is a migrant species. The Lepidoptera Order comprises butterflies and moths, including approximately 75 Families. Hadley, Debbie. “Habits and Traits of Butterflies and Moths.” ThoughtCo, ThoughtCo, 22 Jan. 2020,
The painted lady belongs to the Nymphalidae family. The Species Vanessa Cardui is not a resident of Tsushima. The Painted Lady is a migrant species, this Lepidoptera Order breeds in Tsushima, Japan, resulting in a growing migrant population. Conservation, Butterfly. “Painted Lady.” Butterfly Conservation, 2022,
Yellow-Patched Lieutenant/
Rufous-Backed Marshhawk /
Blue Dasher
(Brachydiplac Chalybea)
Least Concern