Mount Hakusan (15060)
Japan, Asia
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2011
National site name: Mount Hakusan
Central coordinates: Latitude: 36.1500, Longitude: 136.7667
System: terrestrial
Elevation (m): 600 to 2702
Area of KBA (km2): 1192.76205
Protected area coverage (%): 65.40
KBA classification: Global/Regional TBD
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: Mt Hakusan is a volcanic mountain that extends over four prefectures of Toyama, Ishikawa, Fukui and Gifu. From the top of Mt Hakusan to the climbers' starting point to Hakusan, vegetation of the alpine belt, the subalpine belt and the Fagus crenata belt can be seen vertically. From the top of Hakusan, i.e. Gozenmine (2,702 m) to Midagahara (2,300 m) and Minamiryugababa extends the alpine belt. In this area the environment is harsh, and Pinus pumila belt, wind-blown slopes, snow patches and tall grasslands are scattered about. In the subalpine belt at a height of 2,300m high down to 1,500 m shrubs of Abies mariesii and others grow, and along steep slopes tall grasses and clumps of Sasa kurilensis are seen. In the area at a height of 1,500 m to 1,000 m near the starting point for climbers, there is a Fagus crenata belt that is characteristic of Hakusan and rich broadleaf deciduous forests are formed.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Forest | 100 |
Threats
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Human intrusions & disturbance | Recreational activities | Only in the future |