New Earthly Wonders part 2

Ogasawara Islands (Japan) 

South of Tokyo, this archipelago of over 30 islands is often called the "Galapagos of the Orient."
Courtesy of IlovePhotoandApple/Getty

South of Tokyo, this archipelago of over 30 islands is often called the "Galapagos of the Orient" because of its diverse ecosystems, landscapes and native species. Since the islands have never been near a continent, the native flora and fauna have developed through unique evolutionary processes. Along with over 440 documented native plant taxa, the Ogasawara Islands are home to close to 200 endangered bird species, numerous types of fish and coral, and the Bonin Flying Fox, a bat that's in danger of extinction. Only two of the islands are inhabited, with about 2,440 residents in total. 

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