JP151Izumi, Takaono

Site Description

Artificial landscapes (terrestrial); Wetlands

The site is located in the northwestern part of Kagoshima Prefecture, and has a well-developed alluvial fan, into which some rivers flow such as the Komenotsugawa river, the Takaonogawa river and the Nodagawa river. As earth and mud are apt to be piled up to make a tidal flat there, reclamation works by drainage has been carried out since old times and a lot of paddy fields can be seen. Around 80-90 % of the world population of Hooded Cranes and about 50% of the world population of White-naped Cranes winter there every year. Cranes mainly use the paddy fields with an area of about 7,500 ha, which extend east and west of the Takaonogawa river, as their wintering grounds.

Area & Coordinates

842ha 32°06′N 130°17′E
region: Kyushu Region, Kagoshima

Category

A1, A4i

Designation Type

Wildlife Protection Area (government), National Monument

Protection Status

Protected

Conservation issues

• Disturbance to birds
• Infrastructure
• Consequences of animal/plants/ introductions