Lake Biwako (15168)
Japan, Asia
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2011
National site name: Lake Biwako
Central coordinates: Latitude: 35.2500, Longitude: 136.0833
System: freshwater, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 0 to 85
Area of KBA (km2): 675.67787
Protected area coverage (%): 98.43
KBA classification: Global/Regional TBD
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: Lake Biwako is 670 km2 and the largest lake in Japan. In addition to Northern Lake (613 km2 - average depth of 43 m) and Southern Lake (57 km2 - average depth of 4 m), which are divided by Biwakoohashi Bridge, there are many shallow marsh grounds called Naiko (inner lake) scattered around Lake Biwako, and they form habitats for wildlife connecting each other. The environmental elements are divided into two parts, a deep and vast offshore area and a shallow water zone along the coastline. The zone is rich in environment with aquatic plants such as Phragmites australis communities, sand beaches, rocky coasts and artificial banks. Surrounding areas are also agricultural fields, forests and urban areas. About 460 large and small rivers flow into Biwako, and sandbanks are well developed at the mouths of large rivers such as the Azumigawa river, the Anegawa river, the Aichigawa river and the Yasugawa river. There are five islets in the lake, Okishima, Chikubujima, Takeishima, Okinoshiroishi and the artificial Kihan-to.
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) | 100 |
Threats
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Natural system modifications | Dams & water management/use | Dams (size unknown) | Ongoing |
| Invasive & other problematic species, genes & diseases | Invasive non-native/alien species/diseases | Named species | Ongoing |
| Pollution | Domestic & urban waste water | Type Unknown/Unrecorded | Ongoing |
| Climate change & severe weather | Temperature extremes | Only in the future | |
| Climate change & severe weather | Storms & flooding | Ongoing | |
| Human intrusions & disturbance | Recreational activities | Ongoing | |
| Residential & commercial development | Housing & urban areas | Ongoing |