| The Yaeyamas, located to the south of the Miyako Islands and north and east of [[Taiwan]], consist primarily of two main islands, [[Ishigaki]] and [[Iriomote]], surrounded by a number of smaller islands including [[Taketomi Island]], [[Kohama Island]], [[Kuroshima]], [[Hatoma Island]], and [[Hateruma Island]], plus [[Yonaguni Island]] at the far southwestern end of the Ryûkyû Island chain. | | The Yaeyamas, located to the south of the Miyako Islands and north and east of [[Taiwan]], consist primarily of two main islands, [[Ishigaki]] and [[Iriomote]], surrounded by a number of smaller islands including [[Taketomi Island]], [[Kohama Island]], [[Kuroshima]], [[Hatoma Island]], and [[Hateruma Island]], plus [[Yonaguni Island]] at the far southwestern end of the Ryûkyû Island chain. |
| + | The islands, Iriomote in particular, are known for their wildlife and natural beauty. Roughly 85% of Iriomote island is national property, as protected nature reserves, and is home to many unique endemic species, including the [[Iriomote mountain cat]]. |