Shiretoko Peninsula is located in northeast Hokkaido. The site is filled with
an assortment of landscapes including the steep peaks of mountain ranges, sheer
cliffs along the coastline, and various marshes, lakes, and swamps. Shiretoko
maintains pristine forests and diverse vegetation that cover ground from the
shore to mountain peaks 1,600 m high. The heritage site includes the Shiretoko
Peninsula and surrounding marine areas.
The salmons and dolly varden of Shiretoko migrate between the sea and rivers,
and become food sources for a wide range of wildlife including large terrestrial
mammals and endangered birds of prey as well as various marine mammals and seabirds.
The population density of the brown bear is among the highest in the world due
to the abundance of food and diverse habitats.
In addition, Shiretoko features a unique composition and distribution of fauna
and flora such as the coexistence of southern and northern species reflective
of the geographical location and diverse natural environments. Further, Shiretoko
is an important breeding or wintering ground for many globally threatened species
such as Blakiston's fish-owl, Steller's sea eagle, and the white-tailed eagle;
therefore, it is an essential habitat for the conservation of these species.
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