This exhibit has ended.

The progeny of the world’s first successful breeding of the skink Scincella dunan (an endemic species to Yonaguni Island) and the progeny of Japan’s first successful breeding of the skink Emoia atrocostata atrocostata, will be exhibited for a limited time at Ryukyu Arc Riverside.

World‘s first

ヨナグニスベトカゲ
Scientific name： Scincella dunan

 

Scincella dunan just after hatching
Hatching occurred at the end of May 2025
Size of hatchling: Total length 38 mm, weight 0.1g

Scincella dunan is endemic to Yonaguni Island. In 2022, it was described as a new species, and its ecology remains unknown. 

Japan’s first

ミヤコトカゲ
Scientific name： Emoia atrocostata atrocostata

 

Emoia atrocostata atrocostata just after hatching
Hatching occurred at the beginning of September 2025.
Size of hatchling: Total length 102 mm, weight 1.12g

Emoia atrocostata atrocostata is widely distributed in the tropics of the West Pacific. In Japan, it is found only on the Miyako Islands. It is the only coastal-dwelling lizard in Japan, and its natural coastal habitat is being lost due to coastal development. This species is listed on the Ministry of Environment’s Red List as vulnerable, and is also protected by Miyakojima City’s ordinances.

There have been only a few cases of rearing either species in public facilities and organizations. Researchers studied variations in factors such as their diet, rearing temperature, and egg-laying environment, which helped their success in breeding. 
(※ Since 2023, research for breeding Emoia atrocostata atrocostata has been undertaken with the approval of Miyakojima City.)

Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium will continue to contribute to the sustainable conservation of the natural environment. Using ecological data from husbandry practices, including exhibition tanks, we support conservation within and outside each species’ natural habitat.

Place of exhibit

Ryukyu Arc Riverside in the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium

Exhibit duration

October 24 (Fri) – December 10 (Wed), 2025
※Exhibit may close depending on the condition of the animals.

展示個体数

・Scincella dunan　　3 individuals (Total length 80.2 mm, weighing 0.79 g )
・Emoia atrocostata atrocostata　　1 individual (Total length 119 mm, weighing 1.9 g)