The Okinawa Woodpecker is attacked when it returns to the ground!
The Okinawa Woodpecker lives only on the so-called "Yanbaru" forest located in the northern part of the main island of Okinawa. Now that the forests in Okinawa are disappearing, the homeless Okinawa Woodpecker is on the brink of extinction. Unlike other woodpeckers, the Okinawa Woodpecker sometime leaves the trees to search for food. The ground wasn't as dangerous before because there were only a few natural predators. But now, they are often attacked as they reach the ground by house cats and mongooses that people brought to the island.

An increasing number of crows are after their nests!
Another known threat to the Okinawa Woodpecker is the increasing number of attacks on their nests by Jungle Crows. Although the Jungle Crow has always lived on Okinawa, their numbers have increased sharply over the last few years. One reason the crows are increasing is because people litter. We can protect wild animals if we care for pet cats responsibly, and stop littering.