Kiritappu marsh, Biwase bay (15012)
Japan, Asia
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2011
National site name: Kiritappu marsh, Biwase bay
Central coordinates: Latitude: 43.0667, Longitude: 145.0667
System: freshwater, marine, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 0 to 10
Area of KBA (km2): 92.91441
Protected area coverage (%): 97.34
KBA classification: Global/Regional TBD
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: Kiritappu marsh is the second largest peat bog (3,168 ha), after Kushiro Shitugen, on the coastline of eastern Hokkaido. The central area is high moor and has been designated as a Natural Monument. A 4km belt of woods around the marsh captures the mist from the marsh, so a selection of flowers, such as Eriophorum varinatum and Hemerocallis middendorffii can be seen. Also, this site is known as an important breeding ground of A Special Natural Monument, the Japanese Crane. Together with neighboring Hichirippunuma and Mochirippunuma, this area is a Ramsar site. Kiritappu marsh faces Hamanaka bay and Biwase bay on the Pacific Ocean. There are Touhutsushima islet and Kenbokkishima islet and Kojima islet in Biwase Bay. Kenbokkishima and Kojima islets are important nesting sites for sea birds as these islets are not inhabited by people. Kojima islet has one of few colonies of Tufted Puffin in Japan, and Kenbokki islet is a large scale nesting site for Leach's Storm-petrel.
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 |
| Geological events | Earthquakes/tsunamis | Only in the future | |
| Transportation & service corridors | Roads & railroads | Only in the future |