Mammalian Fauna
(Mammals)
Balaenidae- Eubalaena japonica –
North Pacific Right Whale Distribution: It is native to Japan, Russian Federation, and the United States. Endemism: It is not endemic to the region Natural History and Interesting Information: In the summer they are in the southeastern Bering Sea and the northern Gulf of Alaska. In the winter they are further south in the Sea of Japan, Baja California Sur. Although it was once the target of major commercial whaling, it is no longer harvested. Conservation: The IUCN Red List Status is Endangered (EN) |
Cervidae- Rusa marianna Desmarest -
Philippine Brown Deer Distribution: Although only native to the Philippines, it is also introduced in Guam, Federated States of Micronesia, the Northern Mariana Islands, and Japan. Endemism: It is not endemic to the region. Natural History and Interesting Information: Due to heavy, the populations are fragmented and are found to be locally isolated. The population decline is estimated to be about 30% in the last three decades due to various factors including over-exploitation and habitat destruction and degradation. Conservation: The IUCN Red List Status is Vulnerable (VU) |
Balaenopteridae - Balaenptera borealis Lesson - Coalfish
Distribution: It is native to many countries with a heavily offshore distribution in the North Atlantic, North Pacific, and Southern Hemisphere. Endemism: It is not endemic to the region. Natural History and Interesting Information: The main cause of population reduction is commercial whaling. It only feeds on one type of prey at a time. Conservation: The IUCN Red List Status is Endangered (EN) |
Pteropodidae- Pteropus pselaphon - Bonin Flying Fox
Distribution: It is native to Japan and specifically the Bonin Islands. Endemism: It is endemic to the region. Natural History and Interesting Information: In the 1970s they were thought to be extinct but in 1986 they were rediscovered. Unfortunately the population trend has been decreasing. It is found in forest habitats feeding on orchards thereby causing crop damage. Conservation: The IUCN Red List Status is Critically Endangered (CR) |
Balaenopteridae- Balaenoptera musculus –
Blue Whale Distribution: This species is well distributed and is primarily found in the North Atlantic, the Antarctic, the Northern Indian Ocean, the Western North Pacific, the Eastern North Pacific and the Eastern South Pacific. Endemism: It is not endemic to the region. Natural History and Interesting Information: It is the largest existing animal and the heaviest that has ever existed. This species used to be largely used in commercial harvesting through harpoon cannons but it is no longer harvested. Conservation: The IUCN Red List Status is Endangered (EN) Vespertilonidae - Pipistrellus sturdeei - Thomas
Distribution: Identified in Japan Endemism: It is endemic to the region. Natural History and Interesting Information: In 2000 it was said to be extinct however in 2006 the IUCN changed its status to "Data Deficient", as new data throws doubt on the taxonomic status of the species. Conservation: The IUCN Red List Status is currently Data Deficient (DD) although in 2000 it was said to be extinct. |