天然記念物(てんねんきねんぶつ)

天然記念物(てんねんきねんぶつ) is a Japanese legal designation for protected natural treasures.

What IT includes

• Animals: 柴犬(しばいぬ), 秋田犬(あきたいぬ), 朱鷺(とき) (Japanese crested ibis)
• Plants: ancient trees, rare species
• Geological features: caves, rock formations

Common expressions

• 天然記念物(てんねんきねんぶつ)に指定(してい)される: to be designated as a natural monument
• 国(くに)の天然記念物(てんねんきねんぶつ): national natural monument
• 特別(とくべつ)天然記念物(てんねんきねんぶつ): special natural monument

Legal note

Harming or capturing designated species is illegal under the 文化財(ぶんかざい)保護法(ほごほう) (Cultural Properties Protection Law).