Thank you for your interest in our Iriomote Cat Conservation Activities!
The Iriomote Wildcat Conservation Fund (Yamaneko Patrol) has activities that include standing on roadsides at night, in areas on Iriomote Island where wild cats are frequently sighted, warning passing vehicles to be careful. We hope this activity can directly prevent traffic accidents by encouraging locals to drive slower during the times that cats are actively near the roads.
Yamapatal also holds classes to promote coexistence with Iriomote cats in all five schools on the island. This long-term project promotes the island residents to understand more about their local wildlife and specific things they can do to celebrate and support the conservation of the endangered wildlife on the island.
Traffic accidents involving Iriomote cats have increased sharply since the 2000s, with a record nine accidents occurring in 2018. In recent years, driving manners have been improving, with no accidents recorded for two consecutive years in 2023 and 2024. Sadly, however, on August 2, 2025, the first traffic accident in 952 days occurred in Mihara. In particular, there have been frequent sightings of "car-accustomed individuals" certain cats that do not run away, especially on the north coastal road. These individual cats do no have the normal instict to run away, even when the cars are approaching, so the risk of traffic accidents involving these cats remains particularly high.
Our staff wishes that our activities can reach as many people as possible. If you have an opportunity to introduce our organization to others we would appreciate the support and following our social media as well!
More specifics about Iriomote cats can be found on Page three of the attached Annual Report published in Oct 2025.
