Akan, Kussharo (15018)
Japan, Asia
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2011
National site name: Akan, Kussharo
Central coordinates: Latitude: 43.4667, Longitude: 144.1667
System: terrestrial
Elevation (m): 400 to 1000
Area of KBA (km2): 1417.36416
Protected area coverage (%): 48.88
KBA classification: Global/Regional TBD
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: 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 subarctic 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.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Wetlands(Inland) | 50 | |
| Forest | 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 |
| Invasive & other problematic species, genes & diseases | Problematic native species/diseases | Named species | Ongoing |
| Human intrusions & disturbance | Recreational activities | Ongoing | |
| Pollution | Garbage & solid waste | Ongoing |