Japan / Hokkaido Region /
JP021Akan, Kussharo
Site Description
Forest; Wetlands
Akanko and Kussharoko lakes are located in the eastern side of Hokkaido. These areas and surrounding forest zones are on the Akan caldera (major axis is 24 km, minor is 13 km) formed by volcanic activities.
Lake Akanko is about 13.0 km2. At the lakeside, Phragmites australis grow except on the eastern side where eruptions from Mt. Oakandake directly flow out. At the bottom of the lake the community of globally rare Aegagropila linnaei grows. More than 10 rivers flow into this lake, maintaining the quantity of water all through the year.
Surroundings of the lakes are covered with deciduous broadleaf forests, including sub arctic coniferous Picea jezoensis, Abies sachalinensis, Cercidphyllum japonicum trees and Tilia japonica. Most of these forests consist of restored secondary forests, though some parts are primary forests.
Area & Coordinates
142,000ha 43°28′N 144°10′E
region: Hokkaido
Category
A3
Designation Type
National Park, Wildlife Protection Area (Local)
Protection Status
Protected
Conservation issues
- Consequences of animal/plants/ introductions
Birds
Breeding resident
Tetrastes bonasia, Dryocopus martius, Dendrocopos leucotos, Dendrocopos minor, Garrulus glandarius, Nucifraga caryocatactes
Breeding visitor
Ardea cinerea, Haliaeetus pelagicus Gallinago hardwickii, Sphenurus sieboldii, Cuculus saturatus, Luscinia calliope, Tarsiger cyanurus, Luscinia cyane, Phylloscopus borealoides, Muscicapa sibirica, Emberiza spodocephala
Winter visitor
Cygnus cygnus, Haliaeetus pelagicus, Leucosticte arctoa
Image
©MAGOSHI Hisao
