# The 21 animals designated Special Natural Monuments of Japan

From the crested ibis, red-crowned crane, Iriomote cat and Japanese giant salamander to the firefly squid of Toyama Bay and the crane wintering grounds of Izumi: the 21 animal entries that Japan has designated Special Natural Monuments, the highest category of natural monument under its cultural properties law, either nationwide or together with their habitat.

- 66 votes · 21 items
- May 15, 2026 · 修
- https://even.best/en/l/5362/the-21-animals-designated-special-natural-monuments-of-japan

## Top 21

1. **Crested ibis** (5 · ▲5 ▼0) — Special Natural Monument designated nationwide (not tied to one area).
2. **Oriental stork** (5 · ▲5 ▼0) — Special Natural Monument designated nationwide (not tied to one area).
3. **Japanese river otter** (4 · ▲5 ▼1) — Special Natural Monument designated nationwide (not tied to one area).
4. **Iriomote cat** (4 · ▲4 ▼0) — Special Natural Monument designated nationwide (not tied to one area).
5. **Short-tailed albatross** (4 · ▲4 ▼0) — Special Natural Monument designated nationwide (not tied to one area).
6. **Japanese serow** (3 · ▲5 ▼2) — Special Natural Monument designated nationwide (not tied to one area).
7. **Amami rabbit** (3 · ▲4 ▼1) — Special Natural Monument designated nationwide (not tied to one area).
8. **Rock ptarmigan** (3 · ▲3 ▼0) — Special Natural Monument designated nationwide (not tied to one area).
9. **Onagadori long-tailed fowl of Tosa** (2 · ▲3 ▼1) — Special Natural Monument designated in Kōchi Prefecture.
10. **Red-crowned crane** (2 · ▲2 ▼0) — Special Natural Monument designated nationwide (not tied to one area).
11. **Crested serpent eagle** (2 · ▲2 ▼0) — Special Natural Monument designated nationwide (not tied to one area).
12. **Sea bream habitat of Tainoura** (2 · ▲2 ▼0) — Special Natural Monument designated in Chiba Prefecture.
13. **Cranes of Yashiro and their wintering site** (1 · ▲3 ▼2) — Special Natural Monument designated in Yamaguchi Prefecture.
14. **Okinawa woodpecker** (1 · ▲1 ▼0) — Special Natural Monument designated nationwide (not tied to one area).
15. **Bonin white-eye** (1 · ▲1 ▼0) — Special Natural Monument designated nationwide (not tied to one area).
16. **Firefly squid swarming waters** (1 · ▲1 ▼0) — Special Natural Monument designated in Toyama Prefecture.
17. **Cranes of Kagoshima and their wintering site (Izumi)** (1 · ▲1 ▼0) — Special Natural Monument designated in Kagoshima Prefecture.
18. **Swans of Kominato and their wintering site** (0 · ▲1 ▼1) — Special Natural Monument designated in Aomori Prefecture.
19. **Mikado swallowtail of Kōchi and its habitat** (0 · ▲0 ▼0) — Special Natural Monument designated in Kōchi Prefecture.
20. **Japanese giant salamander** (-1 · ▲2 ▼3) — Special Natural Monument designated nationwide (not tied to one area).
21. **Genji fireflies of Nagaoka and their breeding site** (-1 · ▲0 ▼1) — Special Natural Monument designated in Shiga Prefecture.

How is this ranking ordered? By people's votes: each ▲ adds a point and each ▼ takes one away. Anyone can vote and add what is missing.