Matsumae islets (15137)
Japan, Asia
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2011
National site name: Matsumae islets
Central coordinates: Latitude: 41.3500, Longitude: 139.8000
System: marine, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 0 to 300
Area of KBA (km2): 1.50846
Protected area coverage (%): 100.00
KBA classification: Regional
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: Matsumaekojima islet is located at 24 km off shore of Matsumae Town, southwest of Hokkaido. It is an uninhabited islet of about 4km perimeter. Most parts of the islet are grasslands, with Acer mono at Goten basin on the crater area. Coastal parts are all steep cliffs and so it will be impossible to come to the islet by sea. The colony of Rhinoceros Auklet, that used to be at the west side of Benten Shrine, has moved to the coast of Mt Kitadake. Around Matsumaekojima islet, there are large and small islets such as Daihiyakushima, Shohiyakushima, Tenjinshima and Sazaeshima. Many seabirds breed here.
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 Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Grassland | 50 | |
| Marine Coastal/Supratidal | 50 |
Threats
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Geological events | Avalanches/landslides | Only in the future | |
| Human intrusions & disturbance | Recreational activities | Only in the future | |
| Pollution | Garbage & solid waste | Only in the future |