Lake Tofutsu (15006)
Japan, Asia
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2011
National site name: Lake Tofutsu
Central coordinates: Latitude: 43.9333, Longitude: 144.4000
System: marine, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 0 to 5
Area of KBA (km2): 21.64875
Protected area coverage (%): 98.97
KBA classification: Global/Regional TBD
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: Lake Tohutsuko lies between Abashiri City and Koshimizu Town in eastern Hokkaido. The narrow strip of sand dune (Koshimizu Gensei Kaen) separates Tohutsuko, an inland sea-lake, from the sea. The lake has an area of 900 ha with 27.3 km of the shoreline, and an average depth of 1.1 m. The lake is relatively shallow with the deepest part being 2.5 m. Some rivers flow into the lake, and approximately 118 ha of wetlands are found around the lake. Alnus japonice forest is around the rivers, and the marsh is dominated mainly by Carex and Phragmites australis, and few Typha latifolia and Scirpus tabernaemontani. In the brackish water, a salt marsh exists with Salicornia europaea and Triglochin maritima.. Cattle have been grazing selectively, so communities of Iris setosa, Rose rugosa and Themopsis lupinoides are found in patches.
Rationale for qualifying as KBA: This site qualifies as a Key Biodiversity Area of international significance because it meets one or more previously established criteria and thresholds for identifying sites of biodiversity importance (including Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas, Alliance for Zero Extinction sites, and Key Biodiversity Areas)
Habitats
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Marine Coastal/Supratidal | 50 | |
| Marine Intertidal | 50 |
Threats
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Invasive & other problematic species, genes & diseases | Invasive non-native/alien species/diseases | Named species | Ongoing |
| Pollution | Agricultural & forestry effluents | Soil erosion, sedimentation | Ongoing |
| Human intrusions & disturbance | Recreational activities | Ongoing |