JP022Mount Taisetsu

Site Description

Forest

Taisetsu National Park located in the center of Hokkaido is the largest mountain massif over 2,000 m high in Japan. The vast alpine belt formed by volcanic activities and the large scale primeval conifer forests at the skirt of the mountains are its special features. Vegetation consists of mixed forest of deciduous broadleaf trees such as Quercus crispula and Acer mono, and conifer trees as Picea jezoensis and Abies sachalinensis up to 800 m high. Coniferous tree, Picea jezoensis, dominates at the zone higher than 800 m. Between 1,200 m-1,400 m is a Betula ermanii zone, and at around 1,600 m is a Pinus pumila zone. There are mountain marshlands formed on the lava tableland at mountain zones and sub-alpine belts, showing sceneries rich in diversity.

Area & Coordinates

478,000ha 43°35′N 143°00′E
region: Hokkaido

Category

A3

Designation Type

National Park, Wildlife Protection Area (government), Wilderness Area, National Monument, Wildlife Protection Area (Local)

Protection Status

Protected

Conservation issues

• Recreation/tourism
• Deforestation (commercial)
• Consequences of animal/plants/ introductions