Key Biodiversity Areas

Sarobetsu marsh (15000)
Japan, Asia

Site overview


KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2004
National site name: Sarobetsu marsh
Central coordinates: Latitude: 45.1000, Longitude: 141.6833
System: freshwater, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 0 to 10
Area of KBA (km2): 150.8246
Protected area coverage (%): 64.65
KBA classification: Regional
Legacy site: Yes

Site details


Site description: Sarobestugenya marsh is in the Sarobetsugawa river basin. At the beginning of pioneer days, the area had 20,000 ha, and 70% was peatlands. There are many marshes such as Penkenuma marsh, Pankenuma marsh and Kabutonuma, making stop over spots for migrating waterbirds. Sarobestugenya marsh consists of low moors and high moors, so you can study the history of moors by just taking a walk on the boards. During spring migration season, some summer visitors such as Siberian Rubythroat, Stonechat and Yellow Wagtail can be observed in the area. During autumn migration season, 7,000-8,000 Bean Geese stopover, making this a common sight in autumn. Recent breeding of Japanese Cranes suggests that the area still has good habitat for wildlife.
Rationale for qualifying as KBA: This site qualifies as a Key Biodiversity Area of international significance that was identified using previously established criteria and thresholds for the identification of Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBAs) and for which available data indicate that it does not meet global KBA criteria and thresholds set out in the Global Standard.

Habitats


IUCN HabitatCoverage %Habitat detail
Wetlands(Inland)100

Threats


Threat level 1Threat level 2Threat level 3Timing
Energy production & miningRenewable energyOnly in the future