Mounts Kurikoma and Yakiishi (15266)
Japan, Asia
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2011
National site name: Mounts Kurikoma and Yakiishi
Central coordinates: Latitude: 38.9500, Longitude: 140.7833
System: terrestrial
Elevation (m): 700 to 1628
Area of KBA (km2): 1125.67309
Protected area coverage (%): 71.38
KBA classification: Global/Regional TBD
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: Both Mt Kurikomayama and Mt Yakiishi are located on the border of Miyagi and Akita Prefectures. At high altitude there are scrub forests of Pinus pumila and Alnus maximowiczii. Conifer forests cannot be seen there. The site has a plenty of snow patches and wetlands, and Mt Yakiishi area has many ponds and swamps. Vast forests of Fagus crenata with bamboo grasses on the forest floors remain in both mountain areas. The secondary forests, which consist of Quercus serrata, Quercus crispula and Castanea crenata, occur in the lower elevation. Afforested conifer forests mainly range in the low altitude areas.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agriculture & aquaculture | Livestock farming & ranching | Agro-industry grazing, ranching or farming | Only in the future |
| Geological events | Earthquakes/tsunamis | Only in the future | |
| Residential & commercial development | Tourism & recreation areas | Only in the future | |
| Transportation & service corridors | Roads & railroads | Only in the future |