A report from the 1906 Shimane Prefectural survey of Takeshima detailing the ecology of Takeshima is still on file today. The report noted that Takeshima is comparatively rich in marine animals such as sea lions, sea gulls, cormorants, Japanese goose barnacles, oysters, acorn barnacles, abalone, limpets, Mytilus crassitesta, sea anemones, and rockfish. (Ref.1)

The survey report noted that Takeshima has very little soil coverage and no trees. The only vegetation that is found are sporadic tufts of grasses. A survey conducted while climbing to the peak of the Eastern Islet (i.e. Mejima) visually confirmed and recorded the presence of Japanese knotweed, garden stoneleaf, seashore pink, and sea lettuce. The report also recorded seaweeds such as brown and red algae, gelidiaceae, etc. The survey also climbed to the top of the Western Islet (i.e. Ojima), but there were no noticeable differences to the Eastern Islet. (Ref.1)

Photo：Provided by Shimane Prefecture Takeshima Refarence Room

Ref. 1: H. Okuhara, Takeshima Oyobi Utsuryoto (Takeshima and Utsuryo), 1907