Directory of Protected Areas in East Asia - IUCN

Directory of Protected Areas in East Asia: People, Organisations and Places
Name Latitude/Longitude Area (ha)
Date of
inscription
water birds, with 10,000 swans (Cygnus columbianus) and 50,000–60,000 ducks (mainly Anas penelope, Aythya
fuligula and A. marila) occurring annually. The lakes are one of the most important Japanese sites for the
globally threatened sea eagle Haliaeetus albicilla. The area is also botanically notable through supporting
excellent examples of Picea glehnii – Phragmites australis and P. glehnii – Empetrum nigrum japonica
communities, typical of northern Japan.
Conservation issues: There are no reports of any changes in ecological character within the site. However,
organic slurry and artificial fertilizers used on pasture within the catchment area, run off into the rivers feeding
the wetland. A number of long-term ornithological studies are being carried out by a bird banding station and
swan observatory.
Sakata 37°49’N/138°53’E 76 1996
Utonai-ko 42°42’N/141°43’E 510 1991
Principal features: A freshwater lake (pH 7; average depth 37.8cm) in the floodplain of the Bibi river,
surrounded by reed-sedge swamp and patches of Alnus japonica swamp forest. Peatland extends to the south,
west and east of the lake, while the wetland’s northern boundary is formed by an alluvial fan giving way to hills
(10–40m above sea level). The area was originally a coastal embayment, but was cut off from the open sea by a
developing sand dune system some 3,000 years ago. The lake is fed by the Bibi, Otarumappu and
Tokisatamappu rivers, but its only outflow is the Bibi. The marsh vegetation around the lake is characterized by
Phragmites australis, Calamagrostis langsdorffii, Scirpus tabernaemontani, Myrica gale tomentosa, Carex
lasiocarpa occultans and C. lyngbyei. The lake also supports stands of Zizania latifolia and Trapa japonica. The
principal human activities within the site are nature conservation and fishing. The surrounding areas include
pasture and residential zones of nearby towns. The lake performs valuable services through controlling water
levels in the lower Bibi river and by acting as a means of water purification. The lake is one of the most
important staging and wintering areas for water birds in Japan. Up to 20,000 Anser albifrons and 20,000 Anas
acuta occur annually. Large numbers of Cygnus cygnus and C. columbianus also occur.
Conservation issues: There are no reports of any changes in ecological character within the site. There are plans
to construct a canal in the area of the upper Bibi river. The site is very important for conservation education;
Lake Utonai Sanctuary, which includes a fully equipped visitor centre, is maintained by the Wild Bird Society of
Japan. A number of research and monitoring projects are carried out as part of the Sanctuary’s work.
Yatsu-higata 35°41’N/140°00’E 40 1993
Principal features: This mudflat is located inside of Tokyo Bay and remains generally untouched while
surrounding areas have been reclaimed by private corporations and the prefectural government since 1965. The
site’s circumference is about 3km and encompasses an area of about 40ha. Two channels connect the mudflat
with Tokyo Bay, which is 1km away. The mudflats are composed of mud and sands. At high tide, almost all of
the tidal flats are submerged. The tidal flats are un-vegetated except for a few reed beds in the northern and
southern parts. The site is in the temperate zone and its average temperature is 15 o C, with average annual
precipitation of 1,250mm. The site is very important for visiting migratory birds: 10% of plovers and sandpipers
which migrate to Japan are counted in this area.
Conservation issues: The site is owned by the state. The entire wetland has been designated as a special
protection zone of National Wildlife Protection Area. The site is used for conservation, education, bird watching
and light recreation. A nature observation centre is under construction at Tatsu Tidal Flat. Specialists carry out
avian research at the site. The surrounding areas contain residential areas, a school and factories. A road bisects
the west corner of the mudflat.
Biosphere Reserves
Name Latitude/Longitude Area (ha)
Date of
inscription
Mount Hakusan 36°10’N/136°50’E 1980
Mount Odaigahara and Mount Omine 34°10’N/136°00’E 1980
Shiga Highland 36°43’N/138°30’E 1980
Yakushima Island 30°20’N/130°30’E 1980
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