Yamane (Japanese dormouse)

Yamane is a small mammal found in the mountains of Dōgo Island. It is a Natural Monument of Japan. It is known for its unusual ability to lower its body temperature in to much the same as the outside temperature during winter hibernation.

Eight different species of Yamane are distributed around Honshu, Shikoku and Kyushu (as shown in the map below). Each one has distinguishable features. Oki is the only isolated island in Japan where Yamane is found. Oki Yamane has been isolated from the mainland for 13,000 years and has developed different features to mainland species.

In a recent study, Oki Yamane were captured in Dōgo Island on two different occasions. Notable differences in appearance were observed between the two animals despite both having been found on the same island. This indicates that there may actually be two different groups of Yamane living there. However, further investigation is required to confirm this.